Schedule of Events
Kennedy King Memorial Initiative Visitor’s Center Open
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Explore the indoor exhibits that trace not only the events of April 4 but also the broader story of Indianapolis during the civil rights era. These galleries highlight powerful local narratives and illuminate the impact of that moment in history on the city’s African American community.
Outside, visitors can experience the newly expanded and enhanced exhibits, opening to the public for the first time following nearly $6 million in investment by the City of Indianapolis Parks Department.
Community Art Installation Project
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Visitors of all ages and artistic abilities are invited to jump in and help create a vibrant community art piece that will become a permanent feature of the KKMI Visitor’s Center, celebrating the grand reopening of Dr. Martin Luther King Park. Artists from the Indianapolis Art Center will be onsite, ready to inspire and guide everyone as they add their own unique touch to this one‑of‑a‑kind installation.
Community Conversation: Youth As Community Change Makers
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Join the voices of the Indianapolis community in conversation about how youth have played important roles in raising awareness of injustices and advocating for positive change. (Moderated by Brandon Randall, Founder of Tru Colors Consulting.)
KKMI 58th Annual Commemorative Ceremony & Program
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The public is invited to attend the annual commemorative and share in honoring the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Senator Robert F Kennedy. The program includes special speakers, community awards, and plays the famous speech given by Kennedy after he learned of King’s assassination. This impromptu speech is widely considered his most impactful and is credited for keeping our community calm during a time of shock and unspeakable grief.
Video of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Mountain Top Speech
Welcome to the Commemorative Program
Interdenominational Prayers
Recognition of Dignitaries and Elected Officials
KKMI 2026 Award Presentation
Introduction of Senator Kennedy’s Speech
Video of Senator Kennedy’s Indianapolis Speech
Recognition of Sponsors
Closing Remarks
*Because of our generous sponsors, all events are free of charge and open to the public. (Events are subject to change, check back for programming updates.)
Directions & Parking Information
The park and memorial are located at:
601 East 17th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
There is free street parking along Broadway. Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to see a map.
Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Legacy Sponsor
Unity Sponsors
Landmark Sponsors
Community Solutions, Inc.
IU Health
Keystone Construction
Power and Sons
Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana
Patron Sponsors
Ball State University
Bill & Brenda Shrewsberry
Comcast
In Memory of Bill Murray by Tony Murray and Sue Murray
Intend Indiana
IU Indianapolis
Market Street Group, Inc.
RFS Supplies
Sanford Garner
Shrewsberry & Associates
Friend Sponsors
Amy Conrad Warner
Christie Gillespie
Nur-Allah Islamic Center
Representative Gregory Porter Campaign
Sheryl Richardson
Ryan Mears Campaign
Vop Osili Campaign
We are still looking for additional sponsors for this event!
Click the button below to request our sponsorship packet and learn about our sponsorship options and benefits.
Past Commemoration Events
2025 Commemoration
The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative hosted the 57th annual April 4 Commemorative Event, "Still We Reach: Breaking Ground for the Greater Good," which took place at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Thursday, April 4, 2025.
The Commemoration was sponsored by Ball State University, Black Onyx Management, Browning Family Foundation, The City of Indianapolis, Comcast, Health and Hospital Corporation, Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, Indy Parks and Recreation, Shrewsberry & Associates, Market Street Group, Inc., and Pacers Sports and Entertainment.
2024 Commemoration
The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative hosted the 56th annual April 4 Commemorative Event, "Still We Reach: Together We Can," which took place near the iconic Landmark for Peace sculpture in MLK Park on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Attendees were able to visit the Cultural Visitors' Center which featured an array of historical artifacts, educational multimedia, and engaging interactive exhibits that illustrate the stories and influence of these pivotal figures in American history and emphasizes the ongoing quest for racial justice throughout Indianapolis.
This year's event theme, "Still We Reach: Together We Can," reflected our collective journey towards creating a society where love overcomes hate, understanding transcends prejudice, and unity triumphs over division.