Exhibits At Indianapolis Airport For 50th Anniv. Of RFK Speech

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Visitors to the Indianapolis International Airport can view exhibits honoring Robert F. Kennedy, who gave an iconic speech in our city almost 50 years ago following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, AP News reports. The airport has photos and stories of those who attended Kennedy's speech, which took place on April 4, 1968 in a predominantly poor African-American neighborhood in Indianapolis, AP News says. Visitors can read a transcription of the speech given by Kennedy just months before he was assassinated.

The speech is credited with preventing riots in Indianapolis following King's assassination, as other cities across the county were burned during that time.

The airport says the two exhibitions in the airport's Civic Plaza are part of a larger commemoration planned by the Kennedy King Memorial Initiative, to take place later this spring.

Visitors can also view a photographic layout of the Landmark for Peace Memorial (located in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park).

AP News says the exhibits commemorate the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's speech and will be up for viewing through April 7.

Across America, cities erupted in riots that night – but not Indianapolis. Leading up to the 50th anniversary, organizations will host events commemorating the historic moment in our city’s history and reflecting on continued progress for our community. #KennedyKing50 pic.twitter.com/kP19TPIz6e
— Mayor Joe Hogsett (@IndyMayorJoe) March 12, 2018

More: apnews.com, ind.com

Photo credit: Henry Benson For Getty Images