Each year, the Office of Social Impact and Belonging at the school and UW Health collects events honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. happening around the Madison community. The below post is copied from UW Health’s intranet, called The Pulse.
We invite you to join these community events to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Friday, Jan. 16
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. The menu will include baked and fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, mac and cheese, biscuits, sweet potato pie, and beverages.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Women in Focus “I Have a Dream” Ball
- 6-11 p.m.
- Monona Terrace
- $100-150 per person
- Women in Focus will be hosting their annual scholarship ball at the Monona Terrace. 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, Jan. 18
Urban League of Greater Madison’s Annual Outstanding Young Person Breakfast
- 7:30-10 a.m.
- Edgewood High School, 2219 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast celebrates students’ academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and service to their community. The highlight of the Breakfast is the presentation of Outstanding Young Person Awards to nearly 300 middle and high school students of color in Dane County for their academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and service to the community. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Ecumenical Martin Luther King, Jr. Service
- 4:30-6 p.m.
- 518 N Franklin Ave, Madison, WI 53705
- Hosted by the King Coalition in partnership with a diverse group of faith community leaders, the MLK Ecumenical Service joins people together from diverse religious traditions, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities and political beliefs in the spirit of brotherhood/ sisterhood to honor Dr. King’s dream of social justice and equality. It also seeks to develop the “beloved community” through spiritual inclusivity and recognition of our shared humanity.
Monday, Jan. 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Call to Service
- Noon-5 p.m.
- Madison Central Library, 201 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703
- The King Coalition, in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Madison, City of Madison, Dane County, MSCR, Madison Out of School Time (MOST), Madison Public Library, and others is pleased to invite middle school youth to attend the MLK Day Youth Call to Service on Monday, Jan. 19th. The main event will run roughly 12-5pm (doors to open around 11:30). Engaging workshops, lunch, and an event t-shirt will all be provided at no cost. Registration is limited to youth groups serving middle school youth. Space is limited.
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Ceremony
- Noon
- State Capitol Rotunda
- The Annual Tribute and Ceremony is Wisconsin’s official state ceremony and is the oldest official state Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in the U.S. The theme of this year’s program is “The Power of Unity.” Special guest speaker will be Ahmed Baba, News Analyst. The program will also feature Chicago’s Victory Travelers Gospel Group, Violinist, Dr. Brianna Ware-Boggs, Memorial Honor Guard, and presentation of the 2026 MLK Heritage Awards. Tune in wpr.org and WPR Music at noon or WPR News at 7 p.m. You can also watch on PBS Wisconsin’s The Wisconsin Channel.
41st Annual City of Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance
- 5:15-7:30 p.m.
- Overture Center (201 State Street); Capitol Theater
- Community members are invited to join us for the 41st annual City of Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance. The event will be held at the Overture Center for the Arts in the Capital Theater. Welcoming Marc Lamont Hill, scholar, author, and media commentator, the program will feature the MLK Community Choir, presentation of the 2026 MLK Humanitarian Awards by Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, a Call to Action, and more.
- MLK Community Choir: The MLK Community Choir has been an integral part of the official Madison & Dane County King Holiday Observance for many years. The Choir is unique in bringing together community members regardless of musical background for the purpose of performing at this event. It is directed by acclaimed musicians Leotha and Tamera Stanley. No audition is required. To join the Choir community members simply need to attend two rehearsals: Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM | Saturday, January 17, 11:00 AM. Both rehearsals are at Mt. Zion Baptist Church | 2019 Fisher Street