JANUARY 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We honor Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister who advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation. He came to national prominence during a 1955 bus boycott by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and led the 1963 March on Washington. MLK Jr. stands as one of the most influential African American civil rights leaders during the 1960s. He was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, facilities, and employment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964; he was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Food DriveJanuary 2nd -12th | Unity through Service
Participating Locations Marginalized communities deal with poverty and food insecurity at a high rate. Let’s bridge that gap on MLK Day. Help provide our neighbors - right here in Evansville - a healthy meal during their time of hardship. We will be collecting specific donations at participating locations listed below. Donations will be due by Friday, January 12th. We will gather together on January 15th for prep and meal assembly. Participating Locations: Creekside Place | 102 Maple Street St. John’s Lutheran Church | 312 S. Third Street Evansville High School (Office) | 640 S 5th St Evansville Ford | 428 N. Union Street 1) Select a MLK FOOD DRIVE ACT OF SERVICE CARD on display beginning on January 2nd. Cards will list specific ingredient/food items needed as well as drop off instructions. 2) Bring item(s) listed back to the same participating location by January 12th. Non-perishable items can be dropped off between January 2nd - 12th. Perishable items can be dropped off between January 8th and 12th. 3) Volunteer if you'd like to help the BBN team on Monday the 15th (Creekside Place) for meal prep and assembly. Essay Contest
Entries due January 8th | Unity through Writing
Eager Free Public Library | 39 W Main St Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful speech has resonated through the years. What dream do you have for equality, justice, and change toward a better future for our country? All ages welcome to submit an entry, $25 Chamber of Commerce gift certificate prize. Winner or their chosen representative will be asked to read their speech at the MLK event on Jan. 15 at 2 pm. Meal & Signmaking
January 15th | 10-11:30am | Unity through Service
Creekside Place | 102 Maple St Join us at Creekside Place with family and friends – all ages welcome. We will be working in teams, prepping and preparing food for our neighbors in need. We will also have a creative sign-making project for those that want to express their hope for Unity, peace and progress through artistic expression. Everyone will find a way to contribute and be part of this community kindness in action. Refreshments and light snacks will be available & all supplies will be provided. Labyrinth Walk
January 15th | 12-12:30pm
Evansville Peace Garden | Seminary Garden | 26 S 4th Street The Evansville Peace Garden started as the vision of Denise Janssen Eager, who wanted to give something back to the Evansville community. She thought that having a labyrinth in Evansville would offer a welcome alternative for those seeking a less physical, more mindful activity. Join us at Evansville Peace Garden at noon for a reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr.. Pastor Matthew Poock (from St. John’s Lutheran Church) will be your guide on a thoughtful Labyrinth walk. This serene event will focus on key concepts of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy & Unity in the Community. Essay Entry Winner
January 15th | 2pm | Unity through Writing
Eager Free Public Library | 39 W Main St Join us at the Eager Free Public Library to listen to an excerpt from MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, originally delivered on Aug. 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Excerpt will be read by student Max Mangold, followed by a reading from our essay contest winner. Light refreshments served. Speaker Event
January 15th | 6-7:30pm | Unity through Courageous Conversation
Evansville High School Library | 640 S 5th St Featured Speakers: Officer O’Malley Lomax, Current Broadhead PD, former Evansville PD Officer Lomax served as a Police officer in Evansville and now is an Officer in Broadhead. In his profession, he is key in helping to keep the peace and enforce law. He faces conflict at every level, from violent events to families in crisis. Aza Muzowera, Youth Leader Muzorewa is among those who help nearly 16,000 kids in the Madison area that rely on after school programs. Aza Muzowera has been helping kids in Madison over the last decade. He celebrated his 10th year at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center in June. He celebrated his 10th year at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center. Join us for a moderated conversation about systemic racism and its impact on opportunity and achievement.This evening is designed to elevate individual & community racial literacy through shared storytelling, empathy building & community connection. |