Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a society built on racial, economic, and civic equity. His powerful speeches, writings, and leadership left a legacy that challenges us today to continue the fight against injustice in our communities and across our nation.
IU Indianapolis and the Black Student Union invite you to honor Dr. King’s legacy at the 56th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Gala on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Indiana Roof Ballroom (140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204). In past years, we’ve hosted notable speakers like Angela Davis, Maya Angelou, Benjamin Hooks, and Opal Tometi. This year, we aim to celebrate not only resilience but also the soulful spirit that fuels social justice.
We are privileged to welcome Dr. Frank Leon Roberts, an influential educator and political organizer, widely known as the creator of the Black Lives Matter Syllabus—an impactful public educational curriculum for teaching the Black Lives Matter movement. Dr. Roberts, currently a professor at Amherst College, merges academia with activism in transformative ways. His pioneering courses and public engagements redefine education as a radical form of community organizing, reinforcing the call for justice and equity that Dr. King championed.
Beyond his academic achievements at NYU and Yale, Dr. Roberts’s two-decade career in grassroots organizing—from his youth, mobilizing disenfranchised voters, to co-founding the National Black Justice Coalition—demonstrates his lifelong commitment to social justice. His insights have been shared on CNN, NPR, and numerous platforms, making him one of the most dynamic voices in today’s movement for Black lives.
Join us in reflecting on Dr. King’s enduring impact and in reimagining how we can embody his legacy of courage, justice, and community resilience. We would like to invite you to this memorable event to help us celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchases can be made at https://go.iu.edu/8rrA
For additional information, please call the Multicultural Center at 317-274-5240. You can also contact the MLK Jr. Dinner planning committee at dinner@iu.edu.
Thank you in advance for your support!