East Chicago NAACP Celebrates Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The newly reestablished East Chicago NAACP chapter welcomed nearly 500 guests to a special luncheon honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Dynasty Banquets in Hammond on Monday, January 19. This was the first event hosted by the group that recently received their charter in November of 2025.

Tina Moreno, the VP of the EC NAACP gave brief welcoming remarks to the 477 guests in attendance. Malcolm Jones, the proprietor of 63 Social in Hammond served as the emcee of the event. The event began with the pledge of allegiance led by members of the Junior East Chicago NAACP and Youth Leadership Institute. Following the pledge was a breathtaking rendition of the National Black Anthem performed by Valrie Kemp-Davis, the secretary of the EC NAACP.

The audience was treated to a lively dance performance by the Miracle Temple Church’s Pearlettes Dance Ministry. The young dancers set the tone of what was to be an incredibly uplifting and inspiring afternoon. Following the performance, Bishop Wallace Johnson, Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Hammond offered a blessing of the meal.

Dancers from Top 20 II Dance and Mentoring Program performed a dynamic interpretive dance in honor of Dr. King.

A highlight of the event was when young Jylan Martin, Jr., a junior at Illiana Christian High School in Dyer, performed a dramatic reading of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King’s words resonated with the audience in this young man’s passionate presentation.

Linda Randolph, EC NAACP Executive Board Member, shared several stories about her sister Benita White Arnold who led the charge of restarting the EC NAACP chapter. She spoke of Arnold’s commitment to public service from hurricane relief projects to feeding the people in her local community. Arnold has always had community service in her heart.

EC NAACP President and chapter 3046-B founder Benita White Arnold addressed the group. She shared a story of how they were hoping they could get 100 people to sign up for the luncheon, never imagining that they could fill the expansive Dynasty ballroom She also spoke at length about why she felt the need to reestablish an NAACP chapter in East Chicago, Indiana. Things such as low voter turnout and the community’s disillusionment in the electoral process were driving issues. Arnold also shared concerns with recent legislative changes that have been making it increasingly more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote.

Special guest Indiana NAACP State Conference President Sadie Harper-Scott commented on the incredible turnout for the event. She mentioned that she could not recall attending an MLK event in the region that had so many people in attendance.

Eleven special awards were given to people who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the community in Northwest Indiana. Among the recipients were U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, State Senator Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, and Indiana State Representative Earl Harris, D-East Chicago. Other recipients included Mrs. Eunice J. Roper (posthumous), Dr. Leon Kendrick, Dr. Keisha Louden White, Mrs. Millie Guevara, Ms. Patricia Dixon-Darden, Dr. Shaunna Finley, Renaye Manley and Pastor Donald R. Ramirez.

In addition to all of the excitement in the ballroom, there was a bustling marketplace taking place outside of the ballroom in the lobby area. Small business vendors representing a variety of Black owned businesses offered an assortment of merchandise. There were one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, clothing, handbags, MLK memorabilia, baked goods, and beauty products.

An EC NAACP photo backdrop provided a fun red carpet entry experience for all the attendees. Guests were invited to participate in a voting activity using real voting machines. They were asked to test out their NAACP historical knowledge by casting their votes for what they believed were the correct answers. The activity was designed to remind people of the importance of voter participation.

About EC NAACP

The East Chicago Branch of the NAACP proudly stands on the shoulders of our founders and the many dedicated leaders who came before us. Their courage and conviction paved the way for progress — and today, we honor their legacy by carrying the torch forward. After years of dormancy, our branch has been reactivated in one of the most challenging political and social climates of our time. Much like our founders, we face moments that test our unity, resilience, and resolve. Yet, we rise with renewed strength and an unwavering commitment to justice. We are Back in Action — ready to fight for fairness in education, employment, and the trades; to ensure equal opportunities and fair wages; to feed the hungry and uplift the hopeless; and to energize the masses to demand what is right and just for every member of our community. This is our time to act, to serve, and to lead. Together, we continue the movement — for freedom, equality, and dignity for all.