MARTIN UNIVERSITY TO HOLD JUNETEENTH PROGRAM ON JUNE 18

Program Includes Launch of Martin’s National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion

Martin University will host a community-wide Juneteenth event on June 18 in its Gathertorium, 2186 N. Sherman Drive. In observance of Emancipation Day, the university will hold the official launch of Martin’s National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion (NCREI) and be both in-person and held virtually. To Register click here.

The evening’s program will be held from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. and include presentations, community listening sessions, and networking. Invited participants include Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Martin University President Sean Huddleston, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor, City-County Councilman Zach Adamson, leaders from the faith-based community, and other community partners.

The purpose of the NCREI is to assist leaders and organizations in their efforts to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion. The center will utilize workshops, lectures, seminars, programs, initiatives, and consulting engagements to achieve its mission and goals. The activities will be open to the community, and some will be planned in partnershihttp://www.ncrei.martin.edup with other organizations.

“We know that people strive to become more inclusive and equity-minded but remain uncertain about how to convert their intentions into actions,” said Martin’s Huddleston. “The NCREI at Martin University will help develop sustainable strategies and practices that address racial inequity, creating more inclusive and affirming environments for all. We also recognize our responsibility to advance collaboration and collective impact with other organizations that seek to resolve racial equity gaps in our region.”

The NCREI at Martin will be a nationally recognized, catalytic organization that fosters critical racial equity and inclusion through five focus areas:

1. Leveraging Legacy (outreach, engagement, and collective impact).

2. Propel People and Strengthen Families (access, opportunity, employment, health, and wealth).

3. Spark Listening, Learning, and Leadership (education, training, and professional development).

4. Advance Institutional and Organizational Effectiveness (disrupt and dismantle systemic racism and historical and contemporary exclusion).

5. And Embody Presence, Partnerships, and Perseverance (sustainability, strategic partnerships, and way-making).

In addition to launching NCREI at Martin, the event will recognize and celebrate the observance of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

For more information and to register for the event, please go to www.ncrei.martin.edu.