In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Milwaukee has a variety of celebratory and volunteer events across the community.

MLK Freedom Bell Workshop | FATE Arts Center | Jan. 14 | 1–3 p.m.

F.A.T.E. is hosting an MLK Jr. Freedom Bell Workshop. Stop in, create and paint a Freedom Bell! All supplies and assorted snack bags are included with the $5.00 workshop fee. Learn more.

Milwaukee Public Library Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration | Jan. 16 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The MPL Martin Luther King Branch has entertainment and activities throughout the day that highlight how our deep roots in community continue to hold us together today. The library also has MLK Day resources. View resources and learn more about the events.  

King Community Center | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration | Monday, Jan. 16, | 10:30 a.m.

“Everybody can be Great” is the theme of this year’s celebration at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. The program will include music, dance, spoken word and will feature guest speaker Tyra McFarland, community relations coordinator for the Milwaukee Bucks. Learn more.

Milwaukee Public Museum | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Jan. 16 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Join MPM Educators this Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Learn more.

MLK Day of Service | MSOE  | Jan. 16 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by building health, hygiene, new parent, and snack kits for local organizations. Located in the Spitzer Dining Commons. Learn more.

Marcus Performing Arts Center | 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration | Jan. 16 | 4–6 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Working Toward a World of Peace.” The event will kick off with a light reception and will highlight the winners of the Art, Writing and Speech contests, as well as feature talented local performing artists to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. Learn more.

YMCA 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration | Jan. 16 | 7–9 p.m. | Potawatomi Hotel and Casino

The 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honors local community members and organizations dedicated to serving others. Learn more.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County | Jan. 16 and Jan. 24

The United way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County have several opportunities to get involved with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Service, including meal kit packing and diaper bank packing on Jan. 16; and an BRG and ERG meet-up on Jan. 24. Learn more.

Note: Some of the events listed above require registration. Please check the links for additional information before attending.

In the words of our community

Martin Luther King Jr. once said,  “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”  We asked members of MSOE's community the same question, and this is what they said:

• Through my involvement on campus, I am supportive and encouraging to others. 
  —Tramyqua Allen, Architectural Engineering student, National Society of Black Engineers President
• As an educator, I strive to empower students and see their success as an asset and a vehicle of change for their communities. 
  — Luis A. Rodriguez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department 
• As servant-leaders, we should think more deeply about what and how we do for others. Our goal is not only to be of service, but to deeply understand those we serve and how they want to be served.
  —Natalie Villegas ’12, Associate Director of Experiential Learning, CREATE Institute
• I mentor future construction leaders. 
  — Samantha Wallace ’15, Superintendent, Clark Construction Group, LLC
• As a servant-leader, I am dedicated to serving others with integrity and humility while encouraging excellence and growth in our MSOE community. 
  —John Y. Walz, Ph.D., President, MSOE
• Just as MSOE invested in me, I’m committed to investing my time, expertise, and energy to help the next generation of MSOE students. 
  —Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, MSOE Regent, Senior Vice President, NVIDIA