Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 20, and Wisconsin is home to the oldest official state ceremony commemorating the slain civil rights leader and his legacy.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to two artists who are part of the Madison Public Library exhibit “I AM A Man: The Rehumanization of Black Men.” The exhibit, now on display at Goodman South Library, was inspired by curator Sharon Bjyrd’s experiences visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Here are some other ways to honor King in Madison.
MLK Community Choir
Anyone, regardless of ability, can be part of the MLK Community Choir, under the direction of Leotha and Tamera Stanley, when they perform Jan. 20 at the 40th Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance at Overture Center.
Those interested will need to take part in two rehearsals beforehand on Jan. 14 and Jan. 18 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.
MLK Free Community Dinner
Celebrate King’s commitment to fellowship with a free buffet dinner on Jan. 18 at Gordon Dining & Event Center featuring chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, sweet potato pie and more.
MLK Ecumenical Service
On Sunday morning, Jan. 19, this service at S.S. Morris AME Church brings together people of all backgrounds and faiths to honor King’s dream of equality and social justice.
Sun Prairie’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony
Sun Prairie will host this event at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20 at Mackenzie Family Boys and Girls Club, featuring local leaders, music, a free meal, and a documentary screening.
45th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Ceremony
The Capitol rotunda will host the oldest state ceremony honoring King at noon on Jan. 20, featuring speakers, music, and dance. The ceremony is organized by Wisconsin Public Radio host Jonathan Overby and will be livestreamed on WPR.
40th Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, President/General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, is the special guest at this event at Overture Center at 6 p.m., following an hour of freedom songs with the MLK Community Choir at 5 p.m. Local leaders will also speak, and the MLK Humanitarian Awards will be presented.
MLK Youth Call To Service
Put King’s principles into practice at this event at Madison Central Library on Jan. 20, where Madison youth will come together for an afternoon of workshops to create a service project together. Advance registration is required.
MLK Symposium
This year’s event at the UW-Madison on Jan. 28 will feature as its guest speaker Donzaleigh Abernathy, an author and activist and the daughter of civil rights leader Dr. Ralph Abernathy.
