From the opening chords of the Black National Anthem to the final words of “We Shall Overcome,” the 175 people who gathered on January 19, 2026, at Allisonville Christian Church to celebrate the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. were moved to remember—and to take action.

Rev. Timothy Graham, Bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, delivered the keynote address. He spoke candidly about his struggles as the only Black boy in a white school, the only Black boy in a white church, and the only Black boy on his sports teams. His loving adopted family could not shield him from the culture just outside their front door. Eventually, Rev. Graham turned to alcohol to ease the pain, leading him to AA, where he found his way back to himself and to a loving God. He went on to attend seminary and devote his life to serving the Lutheran Church and the wider community. His powerful story reminded the mostly white audience that beneath the polished exteriors of our Black siblings are long-lasting scars that deserve acknowledgment and honor.

Trinity Haven, an organization providing safe and affirming housing for LGBTQ+ young people, received the Drum Major for Freedom Annual Award. Jenni White, Executive Director, accepted the check and the honor on behalf of the organization.

The event was sponsored by the six northside Indianapolis Shalom Zone churches. Representatives from these congregations participated in the service and assisted with set-up and clean-up for the luncheon that followed.

Special thanks go to Allisonville Christian Church for generously providing the venue; to Carolyn Ramsey of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church for her dedication and leadership in planning this annual service; and to Josiah Ray McCruiston of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church for offering powerful special music. Mary Friend provided photographs from the event.

The Shalom Zone churches are Allisonville Christian Church, First Friends Meeting, St. Pius X Catholic Church, Metanoia UCC, The Garden Community Church, and Cross and Crown Lutheran Church.