Human Relations Commission to Host Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration and Panel
Discussion

Terre Haute, IN – The Human Relations Commission, in partnership with the Vigo County History Center and the NAACP, invites the community to the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration and Panel Discussion on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The event will take place in the auditorium of the Vigo County History Center, located at 929 Wabash Avenue.

“Dr. King’s words remind us that peace is not a distant goal but something we create through our everyday actions,” said Mayor Brandon Sakbun. “This event is an opportunity to come together as a community to reflect on his legacy and discuss how we can build a more equitable and inclusive Terre Haute.”

This year's panel discussion theme draws from Dr. King’s final book, Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?, highlighting his enduring words: "One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal. We must pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means." Panelists include Mayor Brandon Sakbun, Councilperson Kandace Hinton, Sr. Paula Damiano, SP, Dr. Carly Schmitt, Sonja Jordan, and Ashley Harris. The panel will be moderated by Vigo County Historian, Suzy Dunning.

“This celebration is an important opportunity to remind ourselves that we don’t have to wait to create peace and equity—we can make intentional choices right now that reflect Dr. King’s vision,” said Anne-Therese Ryan, Director of the Human Relations Commission. “We hope everyone in the community will join us for this meaningful event.”

The History Center will be open with free admission to the public on January 20, from 12 PM until the panel at 6 PM. This panel is also free and open to the public. For additional details, please visit the Human Relations Commission webpage at https://www.terrehaute.in.gov/departments/human/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-celebration-and-panel

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