Each year, UW Health compiles a list of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events occurring in the Madison and Dane County area. This year’s list is copied below. Find the original post on UW Health’s U-Connect (requires UW Health login or VPN to access).
Friday, January 12, 2024
UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health Film Viewing and Conversation
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Watch a screening of Discovered Truth: A Healthcare Journey, followed by a panel discussion. The film explores the historic implications of the African American community being under and uninsured, and how societal changes, including the Affordable Care Act, carry some surprises for consideration and action.
There are options to join the viewing and discussion in person or virtually. Virtual options include watching the film concurrently with the in-person screening or on your own. The event is open to everyone in the SMPH and UW Health community. Registration is requested by Jan. 5.
34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free Community Dinner
4:30-7 p.m.
Gordon Dining & Event Center, 770 W. Dayton St., Madison
Share a meal with friends in Dr. King’s spirit of beloved community. There is no cost to attend, and the menu is available online.
Temple Beth El Shabbat Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
7:30-9 p.m.
In person and virtual options
Temple Beth El is hosting a special Shabbat worship incorporating reading and prayers that reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In person option: 2702 Arbor Dr., Madison
The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. College Readiness and Success Summit
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Madison College South Campus
The MLK College Readiness and Success Summit is designed to help students and parents understand the college process. The Summit will also provide resources on precollege program opportunities, how to navigate the college admissions process, and scholarship opportunities.
High school students of color, first-generation students, and parents are encouraged to attend. Students will have chances to win college school supplies. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Women in Focus “I Have a Dream” Ball
6-11 p.m.
Wisconsin Masonic Center
$100 per person
Women in Focus will be hosting their annual scholarship ball in person this year. The event raises money for scholarships for students of color. The event features a silent auction and program. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Ecumenical Martin Luther King, Jr. Service
4:30-6 p.m.
Fountain of Life Church, 633 W. Badger Rd., Madison
Honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by joining this ecumenical service which welcomes members of diverse faith communities hosted by the King Coalition. The event gathers people of diverse spiritual backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities and political beliefs to celebrate Dr. King’s dream of social justice and equality.
Monday, January 15, 2024
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Ceremony
Noon
State Capitol Rotunda
The theme for the 43rd annual state tribute and ceremony to Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. is “One Day,” and Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen will be this year’s guest speaker. The program will also feature the Chicago Mass Choir and the Latino Strings Youth Ensemble. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio and PBS Wisconsin.
City-County Annual King Holiday Observance
5-8 p.m.
Overture Center Capital Theater
The King Coalition is excited welcome Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, to Madison as the keynote speaker. Mr. Roberts attended segregated elementary, junior, and high schools until 1957, when he volunteered to help desegregate Little Rock Central High School. His first attempt to enter the school was stopped by the Arkansas National Guard and an angry mob of 400 people. A second attempt several weeks later was met with a mob that had grown to 1,000 people. The next day, President Dwight Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard and dispatched members of the 101st Airborne Division to accompany the students to school for the remainder of the year.
The event will also include the presentation of the MLK Humanitarian Award and the MLK Community Choir led by acclaimed musicians Leotha and Tamera Stanley. No auditions are required to be a part of the choir. Information about the two required rehearsals is available online.