Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
Monday is a federal holiday marking the birthday of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.
While King’s actual birthday was Jan. 15, 1929, the holiday, often referred to as MLK Day, is observed on the third Monday of January each year and is billed as a “day on” instead of “a day off ” to model King’s teachings and commitment to social justice.
In Milwaukee, thousands are expected to observe the holiday by volunteering or reflecting on King’s contributions to the civil rights movement.
Here’s where you can go for MLK Day events:
Bay Bridge, a Whitefish Bay nonprofit missioned to address racial inequalities and build bridges among diverse communities, has several listings for MLK events on its website. Events range from a sandwich-making blitz for Just One More Ministry to a kids-led project where youth fill duffle bags with books, a toy and new pajamas to support kids in foster care.
Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave, Waukesha, has several events on Jan. 17 including an art-inspired collaborative community journal for all ages. All are welcome to draw, color, and glue to their heart’s content to create a journal themed “More Than Words: A Creative Impact on Change.”
The Bay View Community Center, 1320 E Oklahoma Ave., is hosting a “Soap, Suds, and Service — MLK Family Morning of Service” on Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon. Join either in person or pick up a kit ahead of time to participate at a distance. Collect cleaning supplies for its emergency food pantry while learning about bubble science, and sharing King’s message.
Marcus Performing Arts Center will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration virtually on Friday at 1 p.m on the center’s website. This year’s celebration highlights community youth who every year interpret King’s words through art, speech and writing contests. This year’s contests are themed “We Must Speak.”
Milwaukee Public Library will host several virtual events honoring King’s legacy on Friday. The virtual programming includes a panel discussion hosted by Clayborn Benson of Wisconsin Black Historical Society where community members share personal experiences of King. There also will be a musical and dance performance by Ko-Thi Dance Company and the Village Drum Company. The day will also include a Black entrepreneurs panel discussion and a trivia contest hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. For more information visit: mpl.org/MLKDay.
Race & Faith and Holy Cross Lutheran
Church partnered to develop an online self-guided educational program held during the MLK weekend. The program aims to spark a cross-generational discussion on racism.“Something to Say” is an intergenerational, faithbased, anti-racism effort. The goal is to equip, encourage, and engage families in speaking up about racism. The online ticketed event takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Following on Monday, Jan. 17, from 6:30-8 p.m. a panel and table discussion will be held at Holy Cross Church in Menomonee Falls.
Celebrate the legacy of King with a night of worship on Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Eastbrook Church, 5353 North Green Bay, Ave. Themed Live Out the Dream, the in-person and virtual event is hosted by Milwaukee Declaration, a group of urban and suburban interdenominational pastors. King is often quoted as saying the most segregated time of the week is Sunday morning at 11 a.m. The goal is to show unity among urban and suburban churches. A panel discussion on unity and breaking down the walls of the racial divide through the lens of the gospel will follow. To view the virtual program visit: eastbrook.org.