The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts announced today the theme and events for the city's 30th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.

Milwaukee is one of two cities nationwide – Atlanta, Ga. being the other – that have hosted an annual celebration of King's birthday since 1984.

The event is scheduled for Jan. 19 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. The theme for this year's celebration is "Non-Violence: The Most Potent Weapon" which comes from a speech King delivered in 1961. It can also be found in the 1986 collection "A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr."

The program begins at 1 p.m. at Uihlein Hall and will highlight works of art, speech and writing from Milwaukee's youth interpreting Dr. King's works and messages. Other tributes and works dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will be presented throughout the program as well, including performances by the Bear Clan Singers and Dancers, Punjabi Youth Club of Milwaukee, African Dance Group, Milwaukee Chinese Youth Orchestra, Latino Arts Mariachi Juvenile and Aarabhi Indian School of Dance.

The keynote speaker for this year's celebration is Dr. Joan M. Prince, vice chancellor at UW-Milwaukee and alternate representative to the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations, with the honorary rank of Ambassador. The 1994-95 MPS youth scholarship winner Milele A. Coggs will speak as a King Honoree.

The United States Postal Service will also unveil the 2014 Black Heritage Stamp.

The celebration will conclude at 3:30 p.m. with a reception in the Bradley Pavilion. The reception is free and open to the public.