Bloomington, Indiana – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission has named Ruth Aydt as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, honoring her years of service and dedication to community advancement in Monroe County. The award recognizes individuals whose actions and leadership reflect the principles of justice, equity, and civic engagement championed by Dr. King.
Aydt’s contributions to the community span nearly a decade, beginning in 2017 when she joined the Monroe County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). There, she consolidated extensive criminal justice data into a comprehensive report highlighting racial disparities within the local system, providing critical insights that informed public understanding and advocacy efforts. In addition, she contributed to the organization’s communications by editing the newsletter, facilitating executive committee meetings, and expanding virtual access to general body gatherings.
“Ruth’s contributions have positively shaped this community. Her actions are just as bold and intentional as her words,” said Dr. Gloria Howell, chair of the commission. “As someone who has worked closely with Ruth, I can attest to the fact that she is genuine and authentic and demonstrates an ethic of care that is unmatched.”
Aydt’s engagement extends beyond the NAACP. She joined the Racial Justice Task Force at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington in 2017 and has held leadership roles since 2020. Working alongside local historian Elizabeth Mitchell, she helped organize Indiana Black history tours, highlighting significant sites such as the West Baden First Baptist (Colored) Church and Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis. These tours aimed to educate the public and foster a deeper understanding of the state’s African American heritage.
In addition to her work with local history, Aydt became the inaugural chair of the NAACP’s Schools Sub-committee. In this role, she supported students in shaping Monroe County Community School Corporation policies, contributing to a policy adopted in 2023 that reflects equity-focused principles and promotes inclusivity within the district. Her leadership in educational advocacy demonstrates a commitment to shaping systems that impact young people and future generations.
Aydt is also a familiar presence at cultural events in Bloomington. She regularly volunteers at the Neal Marshall Black Culture Center (NMBCC) and Resilience Productions events. One of her most notable contributions was coordinating a team of 75 volunteers for the NMBCC’s Association of Black Culture Centers Conference, an event that welcomed over 200 participants from across the country. Her organizational skills and dedication helped ensure a successful, inclusive, and well-run gathering, reflecting her ability to mobilize community resources effectively.
The commission will present Ruth Aydt with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award during the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Event on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Buskirk Chumley Theater, located at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. The event will celebrate Aydt’s achievements and highlight the ongoing work of individuals and organizations committed to advancing equity, social justice, and community engagement.
Through her years of research, leadership, and volunteerism, Ruth Aydt exemplifies the values celebrated by the Legacy Award. Her contributions have not only documented and addressed disparities but also created spaces for education, advocacy, and cultural enrichment. Community members and attendees of the 2026 celebration will have the opportunity to honor her work and be inspired by the lasting impact of her dedication to Monroe County.
For more information about the event and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, residents can visit bton.in/mlk2026. Ruth Aydt’s recognition serves as a reminder of the power of committed civic engagement and the importance of fostering inclusive communities that uphold the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
