By Lynda Jones, Editor
Here in Milwaukee we are fortunate enough to be in a position to demonstrate our gratitude for the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through many local events that celebrate his many contributions that paved the way for opportunities for all Americans.
In Milwaukee, King Holiday is the day that we pause and we remember not just a man, but the works of this man and others who marched, were jailed, and even died for civil rights, peace and jobs. King himself said, “If a man hasn’t found something to die for, he isn’t fit to live.”
Why is it important to mark his birth with a holiday? Believe it or not there are people in this country, who still ask this question and challenge this honor. King Holiday is not a holiday for just African Americans, it is a celebration for all Americans. It is inspiration for those who still today find themselves lost, and without purpose. King Holiday is a day to educate those who do not know the legacy and remind those who are old enough to know it.
It was the 27th Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Marcus Center this year on Sunday, Jan. 16th. Students, parents, community leaders, politicians, media and social service organizations of diverse backgrounds came together as they do each year and under this one roof they honor Dr. King through music, dance, spoken word, original essays and recitations of Dr. King’s famous speeches.
Corvin Ingram, a dancer for CAPITA productions, performs dramatic moves at the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Jan. 16 at the Marcus Center of Performing Arts. (Photo by Pat A. Robinson)
Area churches such as St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Hephatha Lutheran Church, and Mt. Olive Baptist Church held King Holiday programs where members of the community were recognized for their works in Milwaukee.
Community centers and organizations such as the YMCA held its 14th Annual Breakfast where presentations of various awards were made. In the spirit of Dr. King, the Y’s Lincoln Gaines Award was presented to La Causa, Inc., and the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Diversity & Inclusion Award was presented to Professional Dimensions.
The King Center and the African American Women Center also held programs. Continued from page 1 On King Holiday the King Center offered half off specials for memberships, along with community leaders sharing their thoughts on Dr. King’s legacy. The women’s center invited Fredrick Alexander Meade, a writer and regular radio guest of WMCS 1290 AM, who writes and shares his critical reviews on today’s politics and social issues. The Courier has even published some of his submitted editorials in the past.
In this week’s Courier we take this time and opportunity to share with those in and out of our community some of the legacy that Dr. King devoted his life to and how we honor that in Milwaukee. And as demonstrated on this week’s editorial page, not everyone agrees that there is only one way to celebrate this man and this movement, but that it should be celebrated and honored.