“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Indiana University Bloomington will once again be celebrating the life and legacy of one of the country’s most influential civil rights activists and political leaders on Monday, January 19, during Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Dr. King was a prominent leader in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated the third Monday in January as a federal holiday in recognition of Dr. King. Indiana University observes the date as a holiday each year.
We hope you’ll join us for this campus-wide celebration of Dr. King’s legacy through community engagement, learning, and action.
This day invites students, staff, faculty, and community members to come together in service to honor Dr. King’s commitment to collective responsibility.
Here are ways to take part:
MLK Jr. Day Breakfast
All IU Bloomington students, faculty, and staff are invited to start the day with a buffet breakfast, themed “In Service to Humanity,” along with moments of reflection, music, and remarks from IU students and administrators. In addition, IU students will speak on the theme “What Dr. King’s Legacy Means to Me.”
The breakfast is from 8–10 a.m. in Indiana Memorial Union’s Alumni Hall. Please RVSP and let us know if you’ll attend.
In the spirit of community service, breakfast attendees are encouraged to bring items for two local nonprofits:
Tandem—Community Birth Center and Postpartum House requests the following:
- Any brand of pull-up sizes (2T/3T, 3T/4T, 4T/5T, 5T/6T) and all large sizes of diapers (especially size 5-8)
- Any brand of unscented baby wipes
Community Kitchen’s Backpack Buddies program: During the school year, children receive a backpack of food every Thursday to help with weekend food needs. Check out this list for donation ideas.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
The MLK Jr. Day of Service is a national tradition rooted in Dr. King’s call to build a more just and compassionate society. All IU students, faculty, and staff are welcome to take part, with no prior experience needed. Just bring your energy, curiosity, and commitment to helping others.
IU Corps has coordinated various volunteer sites for staff, faculty, and students who would like to come together and serve on this day.
What to expect:
- Hands-on service projects with community partners
- A chance to meet fellow volunteers
- A chance to contribute to positive change
Register for a volunteer shift.
All Indiana University events, groups, activities, and educational, cultural, and historical observances welcome all IU students and other members of the Indiana University community.
