Tolson Center, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary partner to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

ELKHART, Ind. -- The Tolson Community Center and the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary have joined forces for the upcoming celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

The theme for their first annual celebration to honor Dr. King’s legacy is "Art for a Change," where they plan to inspire the community through artwork, history, dance performances, and music.

Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, the Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism Coordinator for Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary gives attendees a glimpse at what they can expect.

“We're excited that we are a part of a full day of scheduling, and we really just hope that folks will come and learn about the anabaptist seminary and learn about the Tolson Center and just embrace this day from a different perspective through the lens of art,” said Alexis.  ”We will have a lecture by Dr. Dave Bryan she’s going to be talking about art and civil rights and how we can be artists are creators of justice now in the present so we’re just really excited.”

The activities they have planned will showcase how art plays a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement as they continue to spark change within the Elkhart community.

The event is free and goes from 1:30- 4:30 p.m. with a variety of activities to highlight how poets, musicians, artists and storytellers uplift the black community by empowering each other during times of hardship.

The Tolson Community Center stands as a resource for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to create, perform, and learn just as Dr. King envisioned.

The Tolson Center’s Executive Director, Breanna Allen, elaborates on how their values align with his mission for the community.

“The Tolson Center represents community excellence, its African American history. Our values align very closely to the dream that Martin Luther King had about being the change and uplifting community,” said Allen.

The event will reflect how creativity can bring change, from art sessions to youth performances. You will get a reminder of how the Elkhart community is making Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream a reality.

To take a look at what they have planned for Monday, you can visit the community center’s website for the details you need to know to attend the celebration to honor Martin Luther King Jr.