Here's a look at Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in and around Milwaukee in 2024

To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings, service, civil rights activities and his commitment to social justice, there are many events scheduled in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.

Some are free and others are fundraisers.

MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January, and this year it falls on Jan. 15, the actual birthday of the civil rights icon, who was born on Jan. 15, 1929.

Here is a list of some of the events in the area. If there is a community event not listed, contact us to be included in this list.

Please check the dates and times carefully and look at the information on the website before attending an event.

27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Milwaukee

Organized by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is where people can honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize the local nonprofit organizations that serve others. There will be speakers and performances of all kinds.

When: 7:30 a.m. (registration); 8 to 9:30 a.m. (program and breakfast) Monday, Jan. 15

Where: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1611 W. Canal St., Milwaukee

Cost: $60 a person (all proceeds support the YMCA's annual campaign that helps ensure that everyone has access to the YMCA's membership and programs)

For more information and to register: Visit www.ymcamke.org/about-us/mlk-celebration

Kids Impact Community MLK Day programs

Creating service and learning opportunities for the whole family is a mission of Kids Impact Community. The nonprofit has a host of volunteer opportunities for parents and their children to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids and their parents can volunteer at Kinship Community Food Pantry, pack diapers for the Milwaukee Diaper Mission or pack lunches to help residents struggling with food insecurity. For a list of opportunities visit https://kicmke.org/remember-celebrate-serve-mlk-national-day-of-service-2024/

When: Throughout the month of January

Where: Various locations

For more information: Visit https://kicmke.org/

MLK Prayer Service: Love, Law and Civil Disobedience

The Black Catholic Ministry Commission for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee invites the public to its 33rd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Service. This year’s theme, “Love, Law, and Civil Disobedience” will be presented by Chief Judge Carl Ashley of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. Ashley, a member of All Saints Parish for 45 years and a parish trustee, will provide background on King's work and accomplishments. He will then examine how civil unrest is at the intersection of love, law and civil disobedience. The service also will be live-streamed at www.archmil.org/UrbanMinistry/live-stream.htm.

When: 1:30 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 13

Where: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 3114 N. Second St.

Borchert Field Clean Up MLK Day service project

The We Got This Garden, located on 9th and Ring, has been working to change the narrative around the Borchert Field neighborhood and the 53206 zip code for the last 13 years. For 12 weeks in the summer up to100 young people worked to improve the neighborhood. Last year over 10,000 gallons of trash were picked up. Join the team from We Got This to help continue the work to improve the physical spaces in andaround the garden on MLK Day. Trash pickers and buckets will be provided. Come for 20 minutes or 2 hours.

When: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Mon., Jan 15

Where: 9th and Ring, Milwaukee

For more information: Email contact@wegotthismke.com or visit https://wegotthismke.com/mlk-day-neighborhood-clean-up/

Dare to Dream: A painting workshop in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through the power of art. Fashion Art Teen Empowerment, a youth and performing arts group is hosting this event where youth and artists can use their imagination to paint a canvas inspired by the dream of a world where everyone is united in harmony and respect. This workshop encourages artistic expression while honoring the profound impact of MLK Jr.'s words and actions. The program is open to anyone ages 8 and up.

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16

Where: 9175 N. 76th St., Milwaukee

For more information: visit https://fb.me/e/1CCPAcKov or Contact info@fategroup.org or 414-206-0076.

23rd Annual MLK Justice Program and March

The Dr. Martin Luther King Justice Coalition will honor three organizations working for Palestine/Israel peace in the nonviolent tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The organizations include Milwaukee Jewish Voice for Peace, Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition and UWM and MU Students for Palestine. The event will also feature reflections from residents who personally knew or worked with Dr. King. Guest performers include musicians Pansy Williams, David Nunley, Mike Arndt and actor Andre Lee Ellis interpreting the words of Dr. King. A brief march to Dr. King's statue in the 1700 block of King Drive, will follow at 2:30 p.m. There, participants can reflect on Dr. King's work and its impact on everyone’s lives.

When: 1 p.m. (program); 2:30 p.m. (march) Monday, Jan. 15

Where: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1927 N. Vel Phillips Ave.

For more information: Visit https://fb.me/e/1saIwyW9A

Milwaukee VA Medical Center MLK Day Observance

As part of their Martin Luther King Jr. observances, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center’s employees will share their personal expressions on the role Dr. King played in their lives. Refreshments will be served.

When: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10 (The Zablocki VA Health Care System will be closed Monday, Jan. 15 for the King federal holiday.)

Where: Milwaukee VA Medical Center Chapel, Building 111, First floor, Room 1705.

For more information: Visit https://fb.me/e/3vqtG66is

MLK Week: Clean and Spruce Volunteer Opportunity

5 Points Neighborhood Association, a nonprofit organization, is seeking volunteers to help clean and spruce the homes of senior citizens, veterans and individuals with disabilities as part of their weeklong MLK Day of Service. Duties include removing garbage and raking leaves. By lending a helping hand, you make a difference in the lives of others and leave an impact on the community.

When: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 through Friday, Jan. 19.

Where: Multiple locations in the 53212 area

To register: Visit https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3759523.jsp

For more information: Visit https://fb.me/e/4bwgJGaki or call 414-364-8677

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance Event

For the D. Martin Luther King Jr. observance event, there will be a program and a reception. Gina Green-Harris will be the keynote speaker followed by a performance of The Amazing Grace Chorus.

When: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.16

Where: 1840 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee

For more information: Visit https://wai.wisc.edu/event/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-holiday-observance-event

'I Have a Dream' inspired arts and crafts at the Brookfield Library

At the Brookfield Library, kids and families can make arts and crafts inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. This project is for children 3 and older.

Where: Brookfield Public Library, 1900 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 (or until supplies last)

For more information: Visit www.facebook.com/brooklib.fb

Martin Luther King Jr. service projects in Whitefish Bay

At Bay Shore Lutheran Church in Whitefish Bay, there will be a variety of service projects that include assembling sandwiches for people who are homeless throughout the Milwaukee area, assembling personal care kits for homeless individuals, writing thank you letters for veterans at Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Medical Center, creating and distributing Valentine's Day cards to individuals staying at the Crisis Resource Center and collecting mittens and hats for people who are homeless.

Where: Bay Shore Lutheran Church, 1200 E. Hampton Road, Whitefish Bay

When: 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 15

For more information: Visit https://bayshorelutheran.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Pewaukee

At WCTC in Pewaukee, there will be a Martin Luther King Jr. event where Muhibb Dyer will be the keynote speaker. Dyer grew up in the 53206 ZIP code, the most incarcerated zip code in America, where he provided inspiration and helped children in poverty have hope. Note that this event is on Tuesday.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16

Where: AJN Center, Waukesha County Technical College, S Building, 800 Main St., Pewaukee

For more information: This event is free, but you can RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/52py85pd and www.wctc.edu

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. family-friendly morning of learning and service in Fox Point

This family-friendly morning of learning and service will feature story time, music, movement, and various on-site service projects. The service projects will include packing on-the-go winter hygiene kits and on-the-go breakfast bags for neighbors struggling with housing issues.

When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15

Where: Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point

For more information: Visit www.kicmke.org/mlk-day-2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Waukesha

At the Waukesha Public Library, there will be family-friendly activities, while supplies last, with the themes of peace and unity to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15

Where: Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha

For more information: Visit www.waukeshapubliclibrary.org

A Martin Luther King Jr. craft at the West Bend Library

At the West Bend Library, there will be an elementary-age craft to support MLK's Day of Service

When: 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15

Where: West Bend Library, 630 Poplar St., West Bend

For more information: Visit westbendlibrary.org

40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration in Milwaukee

Marcus Performing Arts Center will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration which will highlight community youth who every year interpret King's words through art, speech and writing contests. The winners will be showcased at this free celebration and the theme is "What Affects One … Affects All."

When: 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15

Where: Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee

For more information: Visit www.marcuscenter.org/event/40th-annual-mlk-celebration

King Day Celebration at the MLK Community Center

At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, there will be presentations of music, dance and spoken words honoring Dr. King.

When: Noon on Monday, Jan. 15. An open house follows the program at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in King Park, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee

For more information: Visit https://county.milwaukee.gov/County-Events/King-Day-at-the-MLK-Center

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Celebrations planned for the Milwaukee area for MLK Day in 2024