
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Master Plan
MLK Gateway: A Testament to Peace and Unity
On April 4th, 1968, Indianapolis etched a pivotal moment in history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a luminary of civil rights, was tragically assassinated in Memphis. That evening, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, in his presidential campaign, delivered a stirring, impromptu speech at this site, linking his legacy with Dr. King's.
In 1969, Dr. Andrew J. Brown, a venerated civil rights leader, held a prayer vigil here, commemorating both King and Kennedy. Since then, this site has been a beacon for annual gatherings dedicated to their shared vision of peace and non-violence.
The late 1990s saw the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's symbolic gun buy-back program, part of the park's narrative of peace.
In 1994, the vision for the "Landmark for Peace" sculpture, led by Larry Conrad and supported by community leaders, took shape. Unveiled with President Clinton and the Kennedy and King families in attendance, it stands as a symbol of unity and hope.
The park's evolution continued with the "Making the Dream a Reality" initiatives started in 2005 by State Representative Bill Crawford, fostering community engagement and youth programs.
Today, with recent additions, the park embodies Larry Conrad's vision, serving as a hub for community and a testament to Indianapolis's commitment to unity and progress. This site, steeped in history, invites visitors to reflect on the enduring legacies of April 4th, 1968, and the ongoing journey towards peace and community harmony.
Robert F. Kennedy Speaks in Indianapolis, 1968 (Indiana Historical Society)