Where to give service and celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day in Milwaukee
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The observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is Monday and it marks the 28th anniversary of the national day of service. The day is set aside to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
In 1994, Congress designated the third Monday in January as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service — a "Day On, Not a Day Off."
Milwaukee-area residents, community groups, religious and political leaders will celebrate the civil rights leaders with cultural events, volunteerism efforts and community discussions to highlight King's work for social justice and racial equality.
Here's where you can go for MLK Day events in the Milwaukee area.
SATURDAY
A prayer service hosted by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee will hold a prayer service in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. This year’s prayer service is based on King’s 1963 “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.” County Circuit Judge Kori Ashley will give the keynote address. Music will be performed by the All Saints and Community Gospel Choir. The prayer service is sponsored by the Black Catholic Ministry Commission of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the Black and Indian Mission Grant, Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, and All Saints Catholic Church.
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: All Saints Catholic Church, 4051 N. 25th St., Milwaukee
For more information: https://www.raceandfaith.org/
MONDAY
'Something to Say' to encourage conversations about racism
Race and Faith and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation are collaborating to celebrate King's legacy with an online learning experience over the King holiday weekend. “Something to Say” is a self-guided learning course that recognizes the power of families to influence change and encourage conversations about racism. This year's course expanded to include antisemitism due to the rise of white nationalism and hate crimes against Jews. The online learning experience includes a video, discussion guides and opportunities to engage with others followed by an intergenerational online panel discussion.
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday
Where: Online. To find more about the streaming options, visit https://www.raceandfaith.org
Dramatic readings and performances by civil rights, human rights and peace and justice organizations
Civil rights, human rights, peace & justice organizations and activists from across Milwaukee will honor King with dramatic readings and performances. The program will emphasize Dr. King's antiwar stance and military spending rather than funding human needs. Speakers and performers include Andre Lee Ellis reading the words of Dr. King; Pansy Williams singing traditional civil rights songs, and peace activist Jim Carpenter reflecting on Dr. King's vision to end all war. Others include Milwaukee Repertory Theatre actor DiMonte Henning, noted folk musician David H. B. Drake and an open mic for reflections by community members.
When: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday
Where: The Dr. King Statue, 1740 N. King Drive, just North of Walnut Street.
For more information: Visit the Milwaukee Dr. Martin Luther King Justice Coalition.
Activities for all ages at the Martin Luther King Branch library
Enjoy a full fun day of activities at the Martin Luther King Branch to honor the life and legacy of the library’s namesake. The event features, artwork, entertainment and activities that highlight the Black community’s deep roots. Activities include learning chess, creating special King Day pins, and arts and crafts projects that exemplify peace, unity and fellowship. Performances include the Alliance School of Milwaukee Chorus singing a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” hip hop performance from TRUE Skool, and West African dance and music presentation from Xalaat Africa Youth Ensemble.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
Where: 310 W. Locust St., Milwaukee
For more information: Visit MLK Day 2023 · MPL.
Celebration with noted publisher and CEO Henry Sanders Jr.
Noted publisher and CEO Henry Sanders Jr. will keynote the 32nd Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The virtual event is sponsored by Lawrence University, the City of Appleton, United Way Fox Cities, Appleton Area School District, Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley, People of Progression, and Covey. Sanders, CEO and publisher of the news outlet Madison365, is a longtime advocate for business development and entrepreneurship. He will make remarks themed around “What is your life’s blueprint.”
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday
Where: It is a virtual event. To register for the Zoom event: https://go.lawrence.edu/mlk3.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee's annual MLK breakfast
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee’s annual MLK breakfast returns in-person this year. This year’s breakfast focuses on an excerpt from one of Dr. King’s most famous quotes, “The time is always right to do what is right.” Featured speakers include U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Also returning are performances from student winners of the Y’s Spoken Word Contest reciting work about the meaning and impact of Dr. King’s legacy on their lives. Tickets start at $60, with proceeds going toward the Y’s integrated health, education, and equity efforts. The event also kicks off the Y’s weeklong Deliberate Dialogues series, a virtual panel discussion on neighborhood stabilization, mental health equity, early childhood education, and financial security.
When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Monday
Where: Potawatomi Hotel and Casino, 1721 W Canal St., Milwaukee
To learn more or register: Visit ymcamke.org/mlk-celebration.
Music and dance at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will fete the civil rights leader for whom the center is named with music, dance and spoken word from the city’s top artists including Tiffany Terry, Curtis Eubanks and a mime performance by Tyrone Patrick. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Michelle Pitts, president and owner of The New Pitts Mortuary are the scheduled speakers. Community activist Andre Lee Ellis, founder and executive director of Community Agricultural Growing Experiences, will serve as Master of Ceremony.
When: Noon with an open house to follow at 1:30 p.m. Monday
Where: 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
For more information: 414-344-5600
Community service: turn empty glass jars into art
Got empty glass jars? Turn them into art to gift to senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities. The 5 Points Neighborhood Association along with community partners aim to complete 3000 art glass jars to donate to those individuals who may feel forgotten. As part of King Day celebrations, the group invites residents to bring cleaned glass jars of any size with lids and labels removed to be painted, decorated, and filled with inspirational messages for their “Art on Jars” event.
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Monday
Where: Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Road in Milwaukee
For more information: Registration is required. Donations of jars, art supplies, and funds to purchase additional supplies are accepted. For more information, email: 5pnamil@gmail.com.
Cedarburg Community Conversations: Black Voices
This discussion on racial and diversity issues is presented by the City of Cedarburg's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. People will share local stores, talk about the importance of race and to build connections and trust in the community.
When: 7:45 p.m. Monday
Where: Community Room of the Cedarburg Public Library, W63N589 Hanover Ave.
For more information: Visit https://cedarburglibrary.org/events/9809
A virtual family-friendly event through Kids Impact Community
For this virtual event for all ages in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson will be a special guest reader, there will be music and movement breaks and a service project.
When: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday
Where: It is virtual. Register at bit.ly/virtualMLKEvent for the link. By registering, you will have access to the prerecorded link.
Growing Greater Equity: Diaper Bank Repacking Events
The Growing Greater Equity: Diaper Bank Repacking Events, organized by United Way, is a service project where people can repack diaper bundles for distribution in the greater Milwaukee area to ensure that every parent and caregiver has the ability to change their baby. This is for people ages 16 and older.
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday
Where: 2607 N. Grandview Blvd. in Waukesha and at the United Way's Milwaukee Volunteer Center, 200 W. Pleasant St. in Milwaukee.
For more information and to register: Click on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Days Of Service at unitedwaygmwc.org
Meal kit packing and conversation
Participants will pack "melting pot" meal kits for local individuals, while learning about the ways different cultures use and prepare food. There will also be kid-friendly activities.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Monday
Where: United Way's Milwaukee Volunteer Center, 200 W. Pleasant St., Milwaukee
MLK-related events later in January
Social Justice Story Time
Kindergarten teacher Rona Wolf will lead a story time and kid-friendly discussions about race, racial justice and how kids can take big action.
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Children's room at North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Road in Glendale
'The Exchange in White America: Kaukauna and King 50 Years Later'
This event is a special screening of “The Exchange in White America: Kaukauna and King 50 Years Later.” The film is about a student exchange that occurred in the mid-'60s between Rufus King and Kaukauna High Schools as the two schools produced and performed a play that centers on race in America. The film is being presented by the Black Student Union and the Multi-Ethnic Student Association MESA of Germantown High School. After the film, there will be a guided discussion and question and answer opportunity with the filmmaker and director, Joanne Williams.
When: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 25
Where: Germantown Performing Arts Center, W180 N11501 River Lane in Germantown
Tickets can be reserved at https://tinyurl.com/5ca8v2vx
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Milwaukee
