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
Dr. King Unity Day
Join the Martin Luther King, Jr. Club for their 40th annual celebration of Dr. King Unity Day.
This year's theme: BROKEN PIECES Where Are You?
-Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
-Location: Parkview Mirro Center
-Tickets: $25 | visit the mlkclubfw.com to register
WE ARE THE DREAM: A Community Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Presented by Pilgrim Baptist Church and Plymouth Congregational Church, come take part in this commemoration featuring a dramatic presentation of poetry, music, quotes by Dr. King, and a special performance by Heartland Sings.
-Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
-Location: Pilgrim Baptist Church
-Tickets: Free and open to the public
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 Mon-Fri 10AM - 4PM, Sat 10AM - 4:30PM, closed on Sundays. Call ahead to schedule a tour (260) 348-4465.
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 this year’s program that will feature a distinguished panel discussion exploring how Dr. King’s vision continues to guide our pursuit of justice and unity in today’s ever-changing world.
-Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 8AM
-Location: Snyder Academic Center Multi-Flex Theater at Indiana Tech
-Tickets: $30 | Register Here
Genealogy Center Research
You can 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.
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 side of this commemorative structure.
See the 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 was last updated December 2025.
