In honor of the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Milwaukee and its surrounding communities are organizing a series of events to celebrate his commitment to social justice and civil rights. With MLK Day falling on January 19 this year, a variety of activities are lined up, featuring both free events and fundraising opportunities.
Kicking off the celebrations is the King Day Celebration at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Held at noon on January 19, the event will feature a keynote address by Kenneth R Lock II, the senior pastor at Evolve Church. Attendees can look forward to music, dance, and spoken word performances in honor of King’s legacy, followed by an open house.
The Milwaukee Public Library will also participate in the festivities, hosting a day of activities at the Martin Luther King Branch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 19. Featured attractions include a group weaving project, community art collaborations, toddler story time, a panel discussion with Marquette University’s Dr. Robert Smith, spoken word performances, and trivia.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee will celebrate with its 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast, taking place from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel. This event honors local nonprofits with awards for their dedication to community service.
City Year Milwaukee will host its National Day of Service at Humboldt Park School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where community members will participate in various beautification projects aimed at enhancing the learning environment.
Additionally, the Dr. Martin Luther King Justice Coalition will hold its 25th Annual Justice Program and March at 1 p.m. on January 19, themed “King’s Three Great Evils: Militarism, Racism, and Poverty.” This event will include performances by local artists and a brief march to Dr. King’s statue.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum will conduct a discussion on Dr. King’s book “Where Do We Go from Here,” focusing on ongoing issues such as economic inequality and systemic racism. This event is set for January 24 at 1:30 p.m.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee is also participating with its 35th Annual Memorial Prayer Service on January 17. This event, themed “Facing the Challenges of a New Age,” will include a keynote address, musical elements, and community prayers.
In the suburbs, various service projects will take place, including a volunteer opportunity at Bay Shore Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay that will provide much-needed supplies to local homeless individuals. Additionally, Congregation Shalom in Fox Point will host a family-friendly morning filled with learning and service projects aimed at helping the community.
These events not only celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King but also emphasize the importance of community engagement, service, and social justice. As Milwaukee honors Dr. King’s teachings, residents are encouraged to participate and reflect on the ongoing pursuit of the values he championed.