“Making the Dream a Reality” event set for April 4

INDIANAPOLIS – The 2013 “Making the Dream a Reality” program has been scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m., April 4, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (MLK Park), located at 17th St. and Broadway in Indianapolis [get a map].

This annual program commemorates the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s famous speech in Indianapolis, which calmed the crowd following the announcement of Dr. King’s murder. This is the ninth year for this special program.

For the first time, a “Kennedy/King Community Builder Award” will presented to recognize companies and organizations that perform outstanding community service while upholding the ideals of Dr. King and Sen. Kennedy.

In addition, the April 4 program will feature keynote speeches from U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.

Following their remarks, the annual Trailblazer Award will be presented to eight recipients: former Gary Mayor Richard Hatcher; former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Indiana); former State Rep. Mae Dickinson (D-Indianapolis); former Lake County Judge Lorenzo Arredondo; former Fort Wayne City Councilor Charles Redd, who died in February; Children’s Bureau of Indianapolis Executive Vice President for Advocacy Clara Anderson; former Lake County Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura, who is now director of the Indiana Department of Child Services; and State Representative P. Eric Turner (R-Cicero).

The time of 6:01 p.m. will receive special recognition because that was the actual time of the assassination.

The Trailblazer Award recipients are former Gary Mayor Richard Hatcher, former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), former State Rep. Mae Dickinson (D-Indianapolis), former Lake County Judge Lorenzo Arredondo, former Fort Wayne City Councilor Charles Redd, who died in February, Children’s Bureau of Indianapolis Executive Vice President for Advocacy Clara Anderson, former Lake County Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura, who is now director of the Indiana Department of Child Services, and State Rep. Eric Turner (R-Cicero).

This year’s theme for the event is “Making the Dream a Reality: What does it mean to be a Dream Keeper? Peace, Community Service and Redemption.”

[Please note: In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to IPS School #27, 545 E. 19th St., which is adjacent to the park.]