Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Next week the nation will celebrate MLK Day. The activities we have planned for the week of January 19 include a Teach-In led by Professor Joseph Tucker Edmonds, a Discussion Forum focused on Dr. King’s life and legacy, a Creative Expression and Open Mic session on Dr. King’s legacy expressed through words and art, a Vision and Goal setting workshop, and a Day of Service. We have also partnered with the Madam Walker Legacy Center to expand student access to activities and attendance at the address by Bakari Sellers on January 19th. A detailed description of these events is available on the Division of Student Affairs 2026 MLK Week events page.
I hope you will join us for these sessions and invite colleagues and students to participate.
On a related note, as many of you know, earlier this academic year we made changes to programs related to cultural celebrations on our campus. The goal was to reimagine this work so we continue fostering an environment of respect for all by collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and the community in ways that reduce duplication, bring groups together, and remain fiscally responsible. This work is now beginning.
I am pleased to share that a task force comprising faculty, staff, student, and community leaders is being formed to help us reimagine our affinity dinners and related events. Clearly, IU Indianapolis has a strong history of connecting our work with our communities and creating programs that are open to all. The task force will build on this work.
This work must enrich the student experience, expand our research, foster intergenerational cooperation, and serve our entire community.
The charge to this group is to make recommendations on programs and activities (both curricular and co-curricular, including research opportunities for students) that connect learning, conversation, and community in meaningful ways.
The task force will also recommend assessment tools to help us determine whether these programs are achieving their intended outcomes and advancing our institutional mission.
The task force will complete its work by April 10, 2026.
It is our sincere hope that we move toward programming that is not confined to a single event or moment but instead supports ongoing learning and deeper understanding. This work is about helping us live our lives with purpose where service to all becomes a lived experience.
In short, the MLK Dinner is not going away – rather we are in a moment of transition and the work of this task force will help us create its next iteration.
Welcome to 2026,
Latha Ramchand
Chancellor
