~ The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission has announced that Ruth Aydt has been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to their community, and Aydt's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.

Since 2017, Aydt has been actively involved in community life in Monroe County, using her skills and passion to make a positive impact. Her contributions include research, documentation, volunteer coordination, and organizational leadership.

One of Aydt's notable achievements was her involvement with the Monroe County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She played a crucial role in compiling years of criminal justice data into a comprehensive report that highlighted racial disparities within the county's criminal justice system. Additionally, she supported the organization by editing their newsletter, facilitating executive committee communications, and expanding virtual access to general body meetings.

Dr. Gloria Howell, chair of the commission, praised Aydt's efforts, stating that her actions are just as bold and intentional as her words. Having worked closely with Aydt herself, Howell attests to her genuine and authentic nature and her unmatched ethic of care.

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In 2017, Aydt joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington's Racial Justice Task Force and has held leadership roles since 2020. Through this work, she collaborated with local historian Elizabeth Mitchell to organize Indiana Black history tours to significant sites such as the West Baden First Baptist (Colored) Baptist Church and Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis. She also became the inaugural chair of the NAACP's Schools Sub-committee, supporting students involved in developing a policy for the Monroe County Community School Corporation that was adopted in 2023.

Aydt is also an active volunteer at Neal Marshall Black Culture Center (NMBCC) and Resilience Productions events. She even coordinated a team of 75 volunteers for the NMBCC's Association of Black Culture Centers Conference, which welcomed over 200 people from across the country to campus.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award will be presented to Ruth Aydt at the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Event on Monday, January 19th, at the Buskirk Chumley Theater on 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. This event is open to the public, and more information can be found at bton.in/mlk2026. Aydt's dedication and commitment to her community serve as an inspiration to others and make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

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