5 Indianapolis events to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Since 1986, the country has honored Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the third Monday in January.
With a focus on his legacy, several Indianapolis-area organizations, venues and parks will host events honoring the activist.
Other free events will be hosted by museums and venues in Indianapolis on the holiday, like the Indianapolis Zoo and the Children's Museum.
MLK Day: 8 Indy museums and more offering free admission to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King
Here's a list of things to do in Indianapolis on and leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
Landmark for Peace Memorial
Open daily, dawn until dusk, 601 East 17th St., Indianapolis
The Landmark for Peace memorial at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is a staple of the holiday. Visitors can feel the history at the spot where Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech on the night of King's assassination in 1968.
The memorial honors both late leaders and their legacies.
Earth Discovery Center at Eagle Creek Park
Jan. 15 to Jan. 31, 5901 Delong Rd., Indianapolis
Leading up to MLK Day, the Earth Discovery Center at Eagle Creek Park invites people to test their knowledge on a self-guided, half-mile hike in honor of the icon. Discover answers along the route.
The center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Despite the center's closure in observance of the holiday, the trail remains open to the public. Quizzes are available outside the center when it's closed.
Free with park admission fee.
City of Indianapolis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program
1 p.m. on Jan. 14, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis
The City of Indianapolis and the Office of Minority and Women Business Development will host a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
The event will feature musical performances, a wreath ceremony, remarks by city and county leadership and the inaugural presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr.’s Community Impact Award.
Those who wish to attend should register online by Jan.13. The capacity is limited to 130 people. Masks are required.
Madam Walker Legacy Center Day of Celebration
Noon on Jan. 17
The 40th annual Day of Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be hosted by the Madam Walker Legacy Center at noon on Jan. 17.
The celebration will include a conversation with Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Urban One, Inc. Urban One is the "largest distributor of urban content in the country," according to their website.
The event is virtual and tickets are free.
31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration
6 p.m. on Jan. 16, 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis
The commemorative wreath placing ceremony will be at the Soldiers and Sailors monument. A light show presentation highlighting community members will follow the ceremony.
Contact IndyStar's general assignment reporter Rachel Fradette at rfradette@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter: @Rachel_Fradette.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Martin Luther King Day in Indianapolis: Events in honor of King
