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The Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Racial Equity Office is hosting the 42nd annual tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Friday, Jan. 13, from 10-11 a.m. at Crispus Attucks High School, according to the IPS website.
The program will air virtually and can be viewed throughout the community via the IPS YouTube channel and on WFYI-1.
The 2023 theme is “Our Responsibility: Creating a Just, Equitable, Anti-Racist Society.”
The keynote speaker is Fred Payne, president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Central Indiana.
Also speaking at the event:
- Kenneth Allen, IPS Board of School Commissioners, will provide the welcome.
- Dr. Aleesia Johnson, IPS Superintendent, will provide the purpose.
- Nichelle Hayes, Director of the Center for Black Literature & Culture, The Indianapolis Public Library, will provide the message to youth. She is a graduate of Arlington High School.
- Lauren Franklin, Principal at Crispus Attucks, will provide words of wisdom.
- Dr. Patricia Payne, a longtime IPS teacher who now leads the district’s Racial Equity Office, will provide closing remarks.
The program also includes performances by Building Blocks Academy Scholars, Arsenal Technical High School’s Titan Harmony, Crispus Attucks High School’s JROTC Color Guard and Music Specialist Brandon Bufford; and Shortridge High School Dance Soloist, Elena Nissan Thomas.
IPS schools will be closed Jan. 16 in observance of the national holiday.
