As in years past, Carmel’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration promises to be uplifting and educational. (Photo provided by City of Carmel)
Posted By: The Reporter January 6, 2026
Submitted by City of Carmel
The City of Carmel will hold its eighth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12.
This free, community-wide event is dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. King through music, performance and inspirational readings. The commemoration will take place at the Tarkington Theater within Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, located at 3 Carter Green.
“Dr. King’s message of justice, equality and peace remains profoundly relevant today,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “This annual event is a cherished opportunity for our entire community to come together, reflect on his contributions and commit ourselves to upholding the principles to which he dedicated his life. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of powerful and uplifting programming.”
Program & participants
The 2026 program will feature a diverse array of community members and performers, including:
- Remarks: Mayor Sue Finkam, Ashaar Madni from the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations, and Pavel Polanco-Safadit, Executive Director of Amigos, The Richmond Latino Center.
- Artistic performances: Musical selections and original poetry delivered by talented local actors and musicians.
- Community involvement: Participation from Carmel Sister Cities representatives and the ceremonial presentation of colors by the Carmel VFW Post 10003 Honor Guard.
The city encourages all residents and members of the surrounding areas to attend this significant tribute.
Thank you to the following people for their contributions to this event:
- Mayor Sue Finkam
- Artist Development Company
- Alia Blackburn – Fox59 Anchor, event emcee
- Carmel Sister Cities representatives
- Carmel VFW Post 10003 Honor Guard
- Blair Clark – Artistic Director
- Reverend George Davis – Carmel Police Chaplain
- Jon Harris – musician & actor
- Lily Hirschfeld – singer
- India Latimore – musician & actress
- Ashhar Madni – Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations
- Jackie Owens – musician & actor
- Pavel Polanco-Safadit – Executive Director, Amigos, The Richmond Latino Center
- Marrialle Sellers – musician
- Edward Strickling – actor
- Erica Thompson – musician & actress
