There’s a lot of hate, ignorance, and stupidity floating around out there, which makes this day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all the more needed. Looking for something productive to do today, Milwaukee? Here are seven ways to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who stood for anything but hate, ignorance, and stupidity.
City Year Milwaukee’s MLK Day Of Service
Dr. Benjamin Carson Academy of Science
4920 W. Capitol Dr.
8 a.m.
“Each year City Year participates in a National Day of Service on MLK Day, engaging staff and volunteers through a service project benefiting one of their school partners as a way of giving back and investing in the community.”
8:15 a.m. – Opening Ceremony Begins in Gymnasium
9 a.m. – Morning Volunteer Service Begins
9:45 a.m. – Dignitary Tours/Interview Availability
12:45 p.m. – Afternoon Volunteer Kickoff
1 p.m. – Afternoon Volunteer Service Begins
4 p.m. – Clean up
Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration 2023
Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Branch
310 W. Locust St.
9 a.m.
“The Martin Luther King Branch is open 9 am to 5 pm on Monday, January 16 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Join us for entertainment and activities that highlight how our deep roots in community continue to hold us together today.”
9-11:30 am
Communi-Tree
Collaborate to create a community tree mural that celebrates our roots, dreams, and aspirations for the future. Presented by MPL Teen Advisory Board.
Magna Tiles
Dream big and build even bigger with Magna Tiles.
Button Making
Create your own special King Day pins.
Life-Sized Chess
Learn all about the facts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the King of all board games, chess.
Reflections
Listen to Dr. King’s words and soulful instrumentals while writing or drawing your reflections, thoughts and hopes for the new year in a journal. Enjoy coffee or tea while supplies last.
Fresh Vote
We challenge 50 Milwaukee residents ages 18-50 to register or update their voter registration in time for the spring elections.
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Community Art Project with Vibez Creative Arts Spaces
Participate in an arts and crafts project exemplifying peace, unity, and fellowship.
Live Performances
12 p.m. “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
12:05 p.m. Greeting from City Librarian Joan Johnson, County Executive David Crowley, Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Ald. Milele Coggs.
12:20 p.m. Chamber Choir
Hear the melodic sounds from HOPE Fortis South Middle School students.
12:30 p.m. Xalaat Africa Youth Ensemble
Be immersed in the sights and sounds of West African dance and music.
1 p.m. Alpha Phi Alpha Trivia Contest
Learn facts about the civil rights movement and earn prizes.
1:35 p.m. Signature Dance Company
Marvel at modern dance piece from performance company levels 1, 2 and Junior Company.
2 p.m. Mario the Poet
Be inspired by spoken word presented by Milwaukee’s Poet Laureate.
2:30 p.m. A TRUE Skool Experience
Enjoy a collaborative performance showcasing the elements of Hip Hop in celebration of Dr. King.
3 p.m. Anthony McGahee and Praise Motivated
Be inspired by spoken word presented by Milwaukee’s Poet Laureate.
3:30 p.m. Birthday Cake and Juice
Enjoy treats in the Community Room while supplies last.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wisconsin Black Historical Society
2620 W. Center St.
11 a.m.
11 a.m. guided tour
With Clayborn Benson
$10 per person (only tour of the day)
1:30 p.m.
Showing of King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery To Memphis
He was an extraordinary leader, with vision and ambition. He would fight tirelessly until his last days against injustice. By fighting for his dreams and against injustice, he powerfully impacted generations and he changed the world.
Free and Open to the Public
King Day Celebration At King Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center
1531 W. Vliet St.
11:30 a.m.
“This year’s celebration of Martin Luther King Day has the theme ‘Love will bring peace and peace will bring a change’. The free event will include spoken word and musical/arts performances, a keynote from Michelle Pitts and an endnote from County Executive David Crowley. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tours and a membership sale also begin immediately after the event.”
Milwaukee Bucks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game
Fiserv Forum
1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
1:30 p.m.
“Inspired by Dr. King’s spirit of volunteerism and community advocacy, the Bucks are hosting a nonprofit fair during Monday’s game on the upper concourse of Fiserv Forum. A variety of local nonprofit organizations will be set up at tables outside of Section 228 to share their missions with fans and provide information on future volunteer opportunities. The nonprofits scheduled to attend include 100 Black Men of Milwaukee, African American Breastfeeding Network, Groundwork Milwaukee, Public Allies Wisconsin, Safe & Sound and WestCare Wisconsin.
“At halftime, the Bucks will recognize the 18 winners of We Energies’ annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest. Kindergarten through 12th grade students in Milwaukee Public Schools were asked to write a speech following the theme, ‘working toward a world of peace.’ The contest is designed to strengthen students’ reading, writing and public speaking skills while encouraging them to learn about and support the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Commemoration At Dr. King’s Statue
1740 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
2:30 p.m.
“The Milwaukee Turners are proud to co-sponsor this event as members of the Milwaukee Dr. Martin Luther King Justice Coalition. Speakers and performers will feature actor Andre Lee Ellis reading the words of Dr. King, Pansy Williams singing traditional civil rights songs, and peace activist Jim Carpenter. Others include Milwaukee Repertory Theatre actor DiMonte Henning, noted folk musician David H. B. Drake and an open mic for reflections by members of the community.”
39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: Working Toward A World Of Peace
Marcus Performing Arts Center
929 N. Water St.
4 p.m.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President & CEO, MPAC
Janan Najeeb, Chair, MLK Celebration Steering Committee
Presentation of Colors
Milwaukee Police Department Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance
Jouhara Aii, Salam School, Grade 12
“America the Beautiful” and “Lift Every Voice”
Antoine Reynolds, Sr. & Ensemble
Invocation
Major Karen Holness, Milwaukee West Corps., The Salvation Army
Remarks
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive
Speech Contest Winners
Ashe Henry, Lowell Elementary School, 1st Place (K–Grade 2)
Christian Lara, Lowell Elementary School, 1st Place (Grades 5–6)
Remarks
Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Performance
Vincent High School Choir
Speech Contest Winners
Priscilia Nsau, Lowell Elementary School, 1st Place (Grades 3–4)
Harmony Allen, Riverside University High School, 1st Place (Grades 9–10)
Presentation of Teacher of the Year Award
Honoring Ms. Cara Slingerland
Janan Najeeb, Chair, MLK Celebration Steering Committee
Speech Contest Winners
Kayle Phillips, Golda Meir Upper Campus, 1st Place (Grades 7–8)
Malcolm Bishop, Vincent High School, 1st Place (Grades 11–12)
Remarks
Dr. Keith P. Posley, Superintendent, Milwaukee Public Schools
Performance
Antoine Reynolds, Sr. & Ensemble
Writing Contest Winners
Presented by Amy Mizialko, President, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association
Art Contest Winners
Presented by Dr. Deborah Bowling, Milwaukee Public Schools
Speech Contest Winners
Presented by Alison Trouy, We Energies
Performance
Vincent High School Choir
Remarks
Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Closing Remarks
Janan Najeeb, Chair, MLK Celebration Steering Committee
Please join us following the program in the Anello Atrium for a reception and to receive your awards!
Oh, and here’s today’s DPW schedule…
Department Of Public Works Schedules For The 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) offices will be closed on Monday, January 16 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. However, some Department of Public Works (DPW) services will be available for limited hours of operation and certain parking restrictions will be lifted.
Garbage, Recycling, and Drop-Off Centers:
• There will be no garbage and recycling pick-up on Monday, January 16. Reminder – collection days shift forward after each City holiday. Review your collection schedule here milwaukee.gov/collectionday
• Drop-Off Centers are closed every Monday.
Parking Enforcement:
• No parking meter or hourly restriction enforcement on Monday, January 16.
• No overnight parking enforcement on Sunday night into Monday morning (January 16 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.) and Monday night into Tuesday morning (January 17 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.). However, vehicles still must be legally parked and not in violation of any posted parking regulations.
• Night parking enforcement resumes on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (January 18 from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.).
• If a Snow Emergency is declared Snow Emergency regulations take precedence. Visit milwaukee.gov/parking for more information.
Tow Lot:
• Open Monday, January 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Milwaukee Water Works:
• The Water Works Customer Service Center at 841 N. Broadway will be closed for the holiday Monday, January 16 for in-person and live telephone assistance.
• Automated account information and bill payment will remain available by calling (414) 286-2830.
• Customers can pay their Municipal Services Bill and check account balances online anytime at milwaukee.gov/water .
• For water emergencies, customers are asked to call our 24-hour Control Center at (414) 286-3710.
For other requests, schedules, and information, residents should call (414) 286-CITY (2489), visit the DPW website at milwaukee.gov/dpw, or enter service requests online at milwaukee.gov/click4action. Please be patient as response times will likely be longer than usual.
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