By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jan 16, 2023 at 9:01 AM

Milwaukee is ready to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 16. Get in on the gratitude for a man who changed the world forever by attending one of these local events.

Marcus Center's 39th Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr. Birthday Celebration
929 N. Water St.

4 to 6 p.m.

This long-running, free event will explore the theme "Working Toward a World of Peace" with performances and readings by Milwaukee student contest winners.  

Kid’s Impact Community’s MLK National Day of Service
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Virtual event

Join KIC for an online, all-ages celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event includes a story time from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, music, movement breaks and a special service project with the Milwaukee Diaper Mission. More here.

Milwaukee Public Library's "United in Growth, Rooted in Community" 
Martin Luther King, Jr. branch 
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, the Milwaukee Public Library returns to live programming in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This celebration is set for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch Library, 310 W. Locust St., and includes music, dance, poetry, trivia and hands-on activities for all ages. Centering on the theme “United in Growth, Rooted in Community,” the scheduled events are as follows:

  • 9:30-11:30 a.m.: Community Art Project with Vibez Creative Arts Spaces
  • 1 p.m.: Alpha Phi Alpha trivia contest with facts about the civil rights movement.
  • 2 p.m.: Milwaukee Poet Laureate Mario “The Poet” Willis.

YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
7:30-9 a.m.

This before-work event honors both the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as the work of local community members and organizations dedicated to serving others. Go here to register.

Throughout the week, The YMCA will host a Deliberate Dialogues series that takes a deeper look at key issues facing our community. The group conversations will explore four different topics that address the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. Find out more here.

Wisconsin Black Historical Society’s guided tour, free screening
11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Take a tour of the Black Historical Society, 262o W. Center St., led by Clayborn Benson at 11 a.m. The cost is $10. A free showing of the 1970 documentary “King: A Filmed Record … Montgomery To Memphis” will take place at 1:30 p.m.

Milwaukee Bucks' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. game day
Fiserv Forum
1:30 p.m.

The Bucks take on the Indiana Pacers this Monday and will also host a nonprofit fair during the game on the upper concourse of Fiserv Forum. A variety of local nonprofit organizations will be set up outside of Section 228 to share their missions with fans and provide information on volunteer opportunities. The nonprofits scheduled to attend include 100 Black Men of Milwaukee, African American Breastfeeding Network, Groundwork Milwaukee, Public Allies Wisconsin, Safe & Sound and WestCare Wisconsin.

At halftime, the Bucks will recognize the 18 winners of We Energies’ annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.