BLOOMINGTON – In an effort to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promote the acceptance of diversity in the community, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission is planning a week of remembrance and celebration of African American history in Bloomington through art and storytelling.
This week begins on Tuesday, April 4, which marks the 55th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s tragic and untimely death.
Each year, the MLK Commission remembers the terrible event that occurred on the balcony of the Memphis Lorraine Motel in 1968, where Dr. King was in support of Black sanitation workers who were on strike and demanding safer working conditions and better pay.
Remembrance Week 2023: Events & Activities
Tuesday, April 4: A film screening of Carmen Jones, 5-7 p.m. at the Indiana University Wells Library Screening Room 048, 1320 E 10th St. Panel discussion will follow the film. Free screening; tickets required. Register at: https://bton.in/M7ejb
Wednesday, April 5: Discussion of the 1964 book Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King Jr., 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Morgenstern’s Bookstore & Café, 849 S Auto Mall Rd. Members of the community and MLK commissioners will facilitate the conversation. Kid-friendly activities such as arts and crafts centered on the values and teachings of MLK will be available—a free public event.
Thursday, April 6: The Fairview Art Contest Awards/History Walk for Fairview students and staff, 1:45-3:15 p.m. at Fairview Elementary School. This is not a public event.
Friday, April 7: History Center Gallery Event, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Monroe County History Center, 202 E 6th St. Artists, historians, storytellers, and the general public will join together to celebrate—a free public event.
Saturday, April 8: Community History Walk, 2-4 p.m., presenting historians/storytellers and artwork to activate five historically significant sites on the Westside of Bloomington. The self-guided tours can start from any location listed below. Free community activity. A downloadable brochure with the walking tour map is now available at: https://bton.in/sxAJ4
The five Near Westside neighborhood sites are:
- Rev. Ernest D Butler Park, 812 W. 9th St.
- Banneker Community Center, 930 W. 7th St.
- Fairview Elementary School, 500 W. 7th St.
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 302 N. Rogers St.
- Second Baptist Church, 321 N. Rogers St.
