Men of Wabash College Visits Kennedy King Memorial Initiative’s Cultural Visitors’ Center
A group of men from Wabash College visited the Cultural Visitors’ Center to explore the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Through interactive displays and multimedia exhibits, they learned about these influential leaders and their impact on racial justice in Indianapolis. The visit also offered a powerful glimpse into the ongoing efforts toward equality across the city.
June 6th Naturalization Ceremony
Each year, the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative hosts its Naturalization ceremony on the hallowed grounds of the Kennedy King Memorial, turning it into a symbol of hope and renewal. This ceremony pays tribute to Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 speech in Indianapolis, delivered on the night of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, which called for unity and peace. As new citizens take their oaths, they stand on the very soil where Kennedy urged overcoming pain for justice and equality. This ceremony rekindles the ideals of a more inclusive America, echoing Kennedy’s call for unity over division, as each new citizen commits to these enduring values.
April 4th 2024: Still We Reach: Together We Can
The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative is proud to announce the hosting of the 56th annual April 4 Commemorative Event, "Still We Reach: Together We Can," which will take place near the iconic Landmark for Peace sculpture in MLK Park on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The Cultural Visitors' Center will be open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. – which features 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 event pays homage to a pivotal moment in American history — the impromptu speech delivered by Senator Robert F. Kennedy on April 4, 1968, in Indianapolis. On the tragic evening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, Kennedy's words of peace, empathy, and unity resonated profoundly, echoing the urgent need for reconciliation amidst chaos. His call for compassion and understanding amidst racial tensions provided a beacon of hope that is remembered and revered through this annual commemoration.This year's event theme, "Still We Reach: Together We Can," reflects our collective journey towards creating a society where love overcomes hate, understanding transcends prejudice, and unity triumphs over division.
"The spirit of April 4, 1968, continues to resonate deeply with all of us," said Gregory Porter, chairman of the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative. "As we gather at the Landmark for Peace, let us remember the courage and compassion of those who stood for justice. Let this event serve as a commemoration and a catalyst for our continued commitment to achieving peace and equality for all."
Participants of the April 4 Commemorative Event can expect an engaging and meaningful program that includes speeches, performances, and reflections on progress since 1968 and the roads yet traveled toward racial equality and justice. Community leaders, historians, artists, and citizens will come together to honor Dr. King and Senator Kennedy's legacies, reinforcing their message that we can overcome our society's challenges only through unity.
Annual June 6th Commemoration
On this day each year, the community is invited to gather to commemorate the anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s death and his impromptu speech of peace and forgiveness just a few short months before when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The event is always free and open to all.