PICTURED AT THE Katie Hall Education Foundation’s MLK Holiday law event are l-r: Gary Council members Tai Adkins, Linda Barnes-Caldwell; Calumet Township Trustee Kim K. Robinson; legendary singer Deniece Williams; Gary Mayor Eddie Melton; Van Buren Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Dwight E. Mobley Sr.; and Gary Council members Mark Spencer, Ron Brewer and Lori Latham.
Guests filled the historic Van Buren Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, January 14, 2024, for the Katie Hall Educational Foundation, Inc.’s program remembering the birthday, life, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event was held on the eve of the 38th National and world observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Law (1986-2024).
In 1983, U.S. Representative Katie Hall (D-IN-1) authored and sponsored House of Representatives Bill, H.R. 3706, commonly known as “The King Bill,” to honor the birthday, life, and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal legislation was signed into federal law on November 2, 1983, by U.S. President Ronald Reagan at The White House, Washington, D.C.
Dwight E. Mobley Sr. as he gestures during his remarks. (Photos by Wesby Terrell Christopher)
Dwight Mobley S. (center) and First Lady Janice Mobley (far right) look on
The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Eddie D. Melton, Mayor, City of Gary, Indiana. Legendary singer Deniece Williams was among the guests which included Indiana State NAACP Conference President-Attorney Barbara A. Bolling-Williams; Jose Diaz, regional director, Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN); gospel artist Booker T. Buckingham; Attorney Haneefah Khaaliq, director, City of Gary Human Relations Office; Chancellor Ken Iwama, Indiana University Northwest; Calumet Township Trustee Kim K. Robinson; and Gary Common Council members Tai Adkins (4th District), Council President; Linda Barnes-Caldwell (5th District), Parliamentarian; Lori Latham (1st District), Council Vice President; Ronald G. Brewer, Sr., Councilman At-Large; and Mark Spencer, Councilman At-Large.
The historic Van Buren Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2585 Van Buren Street in Gary, Indiana.
