Indiana Civil Rights Commission Announces Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration

Indianapolis-The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission announced today plans for the State of Indiana’s 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 12:30 pm-2:00 pm at the Indiana Statehouse. Highlights for the program include: The unveiling of two busts—James Sidney Hinton and Julia Carson The presentation of the Spirit of Justice Award to Jerry Harkness Remarks by Governor Mike Pence The presentation of four awards The recognition of the seven schools and the more than 300 students who participated in the MLK Educational Youth Summit at the Indiana State Museum A performance by the Golden Singers of Broad Ripple Magnet High School Registration The program is free to attend. However, registration is required. Click here to view the registration page. James Sidney Hinton—Was an advocate for civil rights and a stirring public speaker who grew up in Terre Haute, Ind. He urged African Americans to take their place as citizens. He was the first African American to serve in the Indiana Statehouse, doing so in 1880. Julia Carson—A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Ms. Carson and Katie Hall were elected to the Indiana Senate in 1976 as the first African American women in that house. In 1996, she was elected to the U.S. Congress, becoming Indiana’s first African American woman from Indianapolis elected. She served until her death in 2007. Jerry Harkness—was a basketball star best known for winning the 1963 NCAA Division I Basketball Championship with Loyola University Chicago. His handshake with Mississippi State basketball players prior to their NCAA tournament game is considered a crucial turning point in the fight for equality in college basketball. Indiana Civil Rights Commission The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces Indiana Civil Rights Laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana.