In 1992, PNW’s Hammond campus held its first MLK celebration, “The Dream: Diversity and Pluralism in Higher Education.” Professor Marcellus Barksdale, professor of history at Morehouse College, was the keynote speaker. The Brunswick Elementary School Choir (Gary) was the special guest.

In 1996, the MLK celebration started on PNW’s Westville campus when 12 year old Michigan City resident Sarah asked her mother, Felicia Thomas, on several occasions why Michigan City did not have events to acknowledge and remember Dr. King’s Life. As a result, Felicia and Samara McNeal established a vision of a citywide celebration of the life of Martin Luther King. They invited others to join in the vision, and annual community events and festivals have occurred ever since in collaboration with numerous community partners and organizations.

Combining the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of our two campuses, Purdue University Northwest will continue to celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please support our continued efforts and quest to remember Dr. King’s dream and legacy of equity, inclusion, and justice.