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MLK Center - by Mario Morone
by Mario Morone
posted: May 27, 2021

The Martin Luther King Center's mission is "To create a meaningful impact on the lives of those in the neighborhoods we serve, through quality, multi-generational programs that build community, invest in youth, empower families, advocate for our neighbors and provide a peaceful space to connect."

The MLK Center is located at 40 West 40th Street.
The MLK Center is located at 40 West 40th Street.
image courtesy of MLK Center


Allison Luthe is the Executive Director of the MLK Center. She joined there in June of 2015. They serve the neighborhoods of Butler Tarkington, Crown Hill, Mapleton-Fall Creek and Meridian Kessler. The MLK Center addresses issues of equity, education, policing, trauma, inclusion, gentrification, affordable housing, food access and more.

Alison Luthe of MLK Community Center
Alison Luthe of MLK Community Center
image courtesy of MLK Center


Ms. Luthe's biography mentioned her work on various social and economic justice issues in Indianapolis for more than 20 years. She helped establish the Indianapolis Asset Building Campaign to help families build wealth, served as Vice President for the Indianapolis NAACP Branch and organized a sit-in outside the Indiana Senate Chambers against legislation harming working families. In 2011, Allison and her work at Central Indiana Jobs with Justice were honored with a NUVO Cultural Vision Award. She has experience working in multiple Indianapolis urban neighborhoods as a staff member, board member or volunteer.
Allison is a graduate of Butler University and holds a Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in American Studies at IUPUI.
The MLK Center is currently renovating internal and externals areas of the building that include their HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation Air Conditioning), electrical repairs (new LED lighting and fire alarms), window replacements and the addition of a new entrance on 40th street facing Tarkington Park. They also want to reconfigure their first floor and create a dedicated space for their Dr. King library. The Capital Fund Committee at United Way of Central Indiana has earmarked a $1 million toward the project while the MLK center is seeking an additional $1.2 million in funding. The total project cost is estimated at $2,218,000. Contributions can be accepted at: www.mlkcenterindy.org/building.

MLK Center artist illustration
MLK Center artist illustration
image courtesy of MLK Center


David and Associates is construction manager on the project. They are a minority owned firm conducting business in Indianapolis and Atlanta.
"I got involved with the Martin Luther King (MLK) Community Center a few months ago when I was doing outreach at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) where I am a parishioner. I have a personal quest on how we can do outreach better and make it more sustainable. How can we have shorter breadlines or no breadlines at all? I have been researching and studying the problem and how it affects multi-generations, schools, hospitals and families," explained Scott Lowe, who is a volunteer there.
"We are raising money for needed mechanical repairs and renovations to the south entrance of the MLK Community Center where it faces Tarkington Park. They have been involved in some community programs with IHM. After I met their director, Alison Luthe, I became involved with this project," he mentioned.
According to their website, mlkcenterindy.org/about-us-2, "At the MLK Center everyone has the opportunity to learn, play, grow and find peace. By embracing the teachings and philosophies of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the MLK Center provides vital individual skills and family resources that allow residents in the Mid-North neighborhoods of Indianapolis to grow and enhance their lives. Our approach helps people of all ages find - and remain on - their own paths to success and stability. Dr. King believed that conflicts can be resolved peacefully. In a committed Beloved Community, conflict ends with reconciliation of adversaries cooperating in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. We work to make this possible in our culture."
Located at 40 West 40th Street, the MLK Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are closed in weekends. For more information about their programs, please call (317) 923-4581 or e-mail: info@MLKCenterIndy.org.



mario@broadripplegazette.com
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