The 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration is set for Monday, Jan. 20, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
This free event will begin at 4 p.m. in Uihlein Hall and highlight this year’s youth art and writing contest winners as well as feature remarks from elected officials and performances from Milwaukee High School of the Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble, The Riverside Brass Ensemble from Riverside University High School and Paj Hnub Hli dance group from the Hmong American Friendship Association.
This year’s theme, “What Are You Doing for Others?,” was inspired by Dr. King’s words from a speech he gave on Aug. 11, 1957, in Montgomery, Ala., where he said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ Every person must decide at some point whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
There are no tickets required to attend the event, and complimentary parking will be available in the MPAC Parking Structure. Immediately following the program, all are invited to the Paulette Y. Copeland Reception to celebrate the winners in the Anello Atrium.
The program will also include a special presentation of the Rev. Joseph Ellwanger Social Justice Award to Eddie and Mary Sue Short, whose story began over 60 years ago in Shaw, Miss., where they risked their lives to fight for voting rights, challenge segregation and improve conditions in the Mississippi Delta.
“We are honored to host the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, a long-standing event that uplifts the voices of Milwaukee’s youth,” stated MPAC President & CEO Kevin Giglinto. “This event exemplifies the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s commitment to fostering racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community while encouraging the next generation to carry forward Dr. King’s enduring message.”
Since 1984, Milwaukee has proudly stood alongside Atlanta as one of the only cities in the country to host an annual celebration in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. For four decades, young people have been the heart of this celebration, interpreting Dr. King’s timeless messages through art, speech, and writing contests.
Additionally, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Educator of the Year Award will be presented to Rakia Jones, 5th-grade teacher at Samuel Clemens School for her outstanding efforts and dedication in encouraging students to express themselves through the annual Dr. King contests.
“This year’s theme, ‘What Are You Doing for Others?,’ serves as a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s call to action and the impact we can all have through service and compassion,” said Bridgett Gonzalez, Grants Director at Bader Philanthropies.
For curriculum resources and more information, visit www.MarcusCenter.org/MLK
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
