Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at King Center, Jan. 16

MILWAUKEE -- “Everybody can be Great” is the theme of this year’s public celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Monday, Jan. 16, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Center is located at 1531 W. Vliet St.

“In the words of Dr. King, ‘Everybody can be great, because greatness is determined by service,’” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “In his sermon, ‘The Drum Major Instinct,’ Dr. King teaches us that it is not status or fame that makes us great, but our commitment to others through service. King was a great man, and we celebrate his life and legacy.”

To honor King, the program will include music, dance, and spoken word, and will feature guest speaker Tyra McFarland, Community Relations Coordinator for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first 200 people attending the program will receive a token for a ticket to the afternoon Milwaukee Bucks game, including transportation from and returning to the Center. Minors must be accompanied by an adult to receive a token/ticket and to ride the bus. The Bucks will be playing the Philadelphia 76ers.

A King Center open house will follow the program, from 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Birthday cake will be available while the supply lasts.

Discounted Center memberships, which include admission to both the King and Kosciuszko community centers, will be offered at the King Center only, Jan. 16 from 9–10:15 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., and Jan. 17 from 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

For all youths age 13–17, the salute to King will continue with a DJ dance party sponsored by King Advisory, Inc., in partnership with Fresh Empire, the FDA’s campaign promoting a tobacco-free life. The Hip Hop- inspired dance will run from 6–9 p.m. in the gym. Wearing all black attire is suggested. Snacks will be available for purchase. The dance is limited to 250 youths.

For more information, call the King Center at (414) 344-5600.

>>> image via Milwaukee County Parks