Page last updated on May 6, 2025 at 11:56 am
About us
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission seeks to promote and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and promote the acceptance of diversity in the community. The Commission supports programs to commemorate the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, including the annual community-wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, and volunteer service day initiatives "A Day ON! Not a Day Off", and "40 Days of Peace." The Commission additionally partners and presents events throughout the year that promote justice, racial harmony, and equal opportunity.
Statutory Authority: BMC 2.12
While there are no requirements for eligibility, preference for appointments shall be given to persons belonging to local religious organizations, the Bloomington Human Rights Commission, Monroe County Government, local community school corporations, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Powers and Duties. To promote and honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and legacy in our community, with a focus on fostering diversity, inclusivity, and advancing racial equity and justice for historically marginalized communities. The commission may appoint volunteers and associates committed to these goals. The commission shall report to the mayor and city council annually.
Commissioners commit to a monthly one-hour meeting and attendance at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. They may also assist with additional events that promote the mission of the MLK Commission.
Meetings currently occur on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 6-7pm.
There is no compensation.
Please see the list of members for current vacancies.
Special Invitation
BLEMF 2025 Early Music in the African Diaspora
Bloomington Early Music (BLEMF) invites you to join them for their first ever early music festival dedicated to the music of the African Diaspora!
BLEMF 2025 offers a weeklong series of free concerts & discussions, educational workshops for kids & adults, the second annual BLEMF Community Showcase, and more. Both live & online.
BLEMF is providing a Walk the Walk tour happening on Monday, May 26th from 2 to 4pm. Space is limited, so sign up today!
Learn more about BLEMF, and sign up for their walking tour and more today!
Contact Info
Staff liaison Michelle Moss at 812-349-3433 or mlk@bloomington.in.gov
Staff: Michelle Moss, Bloomington Volunteer Network Coordinator, Community and Family Resources Department
Opportunities
MLK National Day of Service
Honor Dr. King's legacy through local opportunities on this national service holiday.
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
This event happens annually on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award
An annual award which recognizes and affirms those who have made significant and tangible contributions in the areas of race relations, justice, and human rights.
Historical Timeline of the Commission
While it is not comprehensive, it is interactive and filled with video, audio, and images with accompanying narrative. Former MLK Commission intern, Savannah Wormley, toiled for several months and has provided us with a delightful trip down memory lane.
Remembrance Day/Week
Events to remember Dr. King on and around the day he died.
Local African-American History Walking Tour
Walk through pieces of Bloomington's African-American history, learning about Bloomington's involvement with the underground railroad, as well as Indiana University's African-American heritage.