In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act, urging others to make the holiday celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., “A day on, not a day off.” Instead of treating MLK Day as another vacation day, consider using that day—and even the weekend before—as a time of service.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday that also is an official National Day of Service. National leaders, and those who follow most closely in the Civil Rights footsteps of Dr. King, encourage people to make Monday a time to serve others, learn about his legacy, and reflect on how to make the world a better place.
ERS’ Commitment to Inclusion
At ERS, we are committed to the principle that We Can Do Better—a dedication to advancing our core values of inclusion and person-centeredness both within our organization and in the communities we serve. Launched in 2020 by President and CEO Laura Lamb, ERS' We Can Do Better initiative (WCDB) focuses on education, allyship, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
In 2025, ERS’ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Affinity Group held “Lifting Up Voices From Within,” an impactful event that drew more than 130 attendees to Memorial Hall. The goals were to educate, celebrate, and inspire. We screened “Breaking the Silence: A Black Nursing Documentary,” about systemic racism in nursing education.
As part of the WCDB imitative, ERS’ annual Scorecard helps measure and reflect on our dedication to inclusion for team members and those within our community.
Related Blog: We Are Stronger Together: ERS' 4th Annual We Can Do Better Scorecard
One of the initiative’s proudest achievements is honoring an ERS team member through the creation of the Lauren Brown Empowerment Fund, which provides financial support to help disadvantaged employees overcome barriers to success, including tuition, childcare, and housing. As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, we remain committed to building a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Learn more about the Lauren Brown Empowerment Fund, and how you can contribute to strengthening the lives and opportunities of our BIPOC team members.
Below are some MLK Day events to get involved in Cincinnati, Louisville, and Indianapolis:
Cincinnati
2026 MLK Day March and Program
When: Commemorative March at 10:30 AM and Annual Program at 12:00 PM
What: Join the MLK Coalition’s 51st MLK Day March and Program. The 2026 theme, Bending the Arc Toward Justice will feature keynote speaker, UC professor Dr. Holly McGee who specializes in U.S. History and African American History.
MLK Day Community Cleanup at Nature Center at the Summit
When: January 19, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
What: Volunteers, employees, and community members will walk around the neighborhood of Roselawn to pick up litter to support the local ecosystem and neighborhood. After the cleanup, meet back at the Nature Center at the Summit and are invited to stay for open-house programming.
Fifth-Third Community Day at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
When: January 19, 11 AM to 5 PM
What: See the Freedom Center’s newest exhibit about the Fisk Jubilee Singers, join various programs and talks, and learn about service-oriented organizations tabling throughout the center.
When: January 19, 11 AM to 5 PM
What: While you’re at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, participate in a community blood drive hosted by Hoxworth Blood Center.
Keep the Dream Alive Awards 2026
When: January 19, 3 PM to 5PM
Where: Church of the Resurrection, Bond Hill
What: Eight Greater Cincinnatians who personify, through words and action, the spirit and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored at the 24th annual MLK “Keep the Dream Alive” Ceremony. Courtis Fuller, a Hall of Fame broadcast journalist and retired news anchor and reporter at WLWT, will be the emcee. Keynote speaker will be Congressman Greg Landsman of Ohio’s 1st Congressional District.
Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing
When: January 20, 7 AM to 5:30 PM
What: Cincinnati’s 6th National Day of Racial Healing brings leaders together from communities across the Greater Cincinnati Area and worldwide, from diverse backgrounds and identities, to build relationships and work toward transformation. The one-day event is an opportunity to unite ALL people in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable city. The sessions offer spaces to acknowledge truths and collaborate to create meaningful change.
Louisville
Annual MLK Hope Breakfast: Faith, Leadership, Service
When: January 19, 8 AM to 12 PM
Where: Omni Louisville Hotel
What: The Alpha Lambda Education Foundation’s Annual Hope Breakfast honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a focus on raising funds for scholarships, community outreach, and mentorship programs.
When: January 19, 10 AM
Where: University of Louisville Student Activities Center, 2100 S. Floyd St.
What: MLK Day of Service is one of UofL's largest campus-wide service events of the year. The purpose of the event is to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and serve the community UofL calls home by allowing students to connect with each other, the UofL community, and the larger Louisville community.
Indianapolis
Indiana Historical Society Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
When: January 19, 11 AM to 3 PM
Where: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
What: On MLK Day, the Indiana Historical Society offers free admission and a range of interactive activities to deeply honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Guests can paint their own MLK silhouette, enjoy stories and other hands-on activities, design a canvas bag for Concord Neighborhood Center, and more.
Free Admission at Indianapolis Zoo
When: January 19, 9 AM to 4 PM
Where: Indianapolis Zoo
What: On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Indianapolis Zoo offers free admission and parking, inviting guests to enjoy a special visit while supporting the community through donations benefitting Gleaners Food Bank. Visitors can see a variety of animals, explore indoor exhibits, and contribute to a meaningful cause, continuing the Zoo's commitment to service and diversity.
