In photos: 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration activities

Student cutting material while seated at table

Volunteers at the MLK Day of Service on Monday work on dog toys for local shelters and Braids for Barks. (Photo by Purdue Student Life Marketing)

January 24, 2025 Purdue Today

A woman stands at a podium — Deputy Mayor of Indianapolis Judith Thomas presents a proclamation in honor of Terence Blanchard at the university’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration on Tuesday. Purdue celebrated King’s legacy with Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” Excerpts in Concert. (Purdue University photo/Dave Mason)

Purdue celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and legacy on civil rights, social justice and community service with events this week.

On Monday (Jan. 20), Purdue’s MLK Day of Service marked the national holiday in King’s honor by inviting faculty, staff and students to gather for on-campus service projects that effect positive change in the community. Coordinated by student group Boilers in Action, this year’s projects centered on food justice and included the Greater Lafayette agencies Food Finders, LTHC Homeless Services and the ACE Campus Food Pantry.

Purdue’s MLK commemorative event on Tuesday (Jan. 21) featured an evening of music, storytelling and reflection with Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones Excerpts in Concert at Loeb Playhouse. Also on Tuesday, Purdue recognized the 2025 Dreamer Award recipients at a reception in the Prusiecki Banquet Room of the Dauch Alumni Center.