City of South Bend, Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos Unveil New Mural at MLK Dream Center

Today, the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks and Arts Department, and The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and its Four Winds Casinos, unveiled a new mural at the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center, celebrating a partnership rooted in culture, community, and opportunity. Located in the Dream Center gymnasium, the mural serves as a visual representation of the collaboration and shared commitment to helping residents of all ages embrace their dreams.

“One of our guiding principles at VPA is to bring communities together in vibrant spaces,” said Erin Thornton, Executive Director of Venues Parks & Arts. “This partnership and the addition of such a meaningful piece of artwork at one of our centers is a beautiful reflection of just that.”

The mural features the Medicine Wheel and woodland flowers, which are native to the ancestral homelands of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. These plants hold cultural significance within Potawatomi traditions, serving as resources for traditional medicine, markers for planting and harvesting seasons, and elements of teachings and ceremonies. The design also incorporates the Dream Center’s signature colors and inspirational messages found throughout the facility, including “Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It,” “Don’t Get Mad, Get Better,” and “Progress Over Perfection.”

“The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds Casinos are proud to support the MLK Jr. Dream Center as it builds upon its commitment to provide inclusive and impactful leadership, education, and wellness resources to the South Bend Community,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. “With its state-of-the-art fitness spaces, educational programs, and cutting-edge technology labs, the center remains a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring, uplifting, and connecting youth, adults and seniors.”

Mary Smith, President and CEO of Four Winds Casinos added, “The partnership between the Pokagon Band, its Four Winds Casinos, and the MLK Dream Center will support new experiences and programming designed to extend the Dream Center’s impact throughout the community. The collaboration will help create opportunities for residents of all ages, building on the center’s mission to provide a welcoming place for learning, growth, and connection.”