On June 5, 1963, an interracial crowd overflowed what is now the University of Saint Francis Performing Arts Center in downtown Fort Wayne, and waited anxiously for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to take the podium. His visit to our city was faced with plenty of adversity, as were many other facets of the Civil Rights Movement, yet Fort Wayne activists kept on fighting.
Throughout the 1960s, NAACP Youth marched outside of Northcrest shopping center to protest non-hiring of African Americans, the Ministerial Alliance led boycotts and walks down Calhoun to fight Fort Wayne Community School segregation, and other Civil Rights activists demonstrated outside of the Allen County Courthouse to display treatment of minorities in the community.
"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’” –Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
To celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—one of the most influential leaders of the civil rights movement—we challenge you to immerse yourself in the community and make a difference!
Ways to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Fort Wayne
1. Attend Dr. King Unity Day
Join the Martin Luther King, Jr. Club for a day of “creating community connections”
21Alive Insight host Tony Betton, Jr. will emcee the event, and you can also expect incredible performances and engaging discussions, as well as vendors, health screenings, and more.
-Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
-Location: Parkview Mirro Center
-Tickets: $20 - $40 | visit the MLK Club Facebook page or call (260) 493-534 to register
2. Visit the African / African-American Historical Society Museum
The AAAHSM (aka “AWESOME”) displays Fort Wayne’s largest public collection of African Art and showcases many historic items and documents.
Be sure to check out their Civil Rights movement room that commemorates MLK and many others who joined his fight.
Located at 436 E. Douglas Ave., the museum is open by appointment only. Schedule a tour.
3. Attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Breakfast at Indiana Tech
The entire community is invited to join Indiana Tech in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy breakfast as you hear from this year's keynote speaker, Dr. Maurice Stinnett — an experienced leader and expert in the areas of global leadership, strategic planning, and organizational transformation.
-Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
-Location: Snyder Academic Center Multi-Flex Theater at Indiana Tech
-Tickets: $25 | Register Here
4. MLK Day Activities at the Library
Visit the Hessen Cassel Branch of the Allen County Public Library for a special Storytime celebrating MLK Day.
You can also explore the nation's largest public genealogy collection at the Allen County Public Library's Main Branch downtown. The Genealogy Center is the perfect place to research African American historical records, or begin a deep dive into discovering your own lineage and family history.
5. Find a Volunteer Opportunity!
Join the millions of others doing service in their community to fulfill MLK’s vision of a better America.
There are many nonprofits in Fort Wayne that welcome new volunteers and donations.
To find an opportunity that fits your skills and interests, check out the national database for the MLK Day of service.
6. Visit MLK Landmarks in Fort Wayne
Visit the beautiful Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge leading into downtown Fort Wayne on Clinton St., and take a moment to read the plaques on either said of this commemorative structure.
See the new Pillars of Hope and Justice sculpture by Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee on Ewing Street in downtown Fort Wayne. This public art monument commemorates the June 5, 1963 visit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Fort Wayne.
*This post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated.
