The King Coalition will again sponsor a variety of free events that bring the Dane County community together to reaffirm our continuing commitment to build a just community out of our racial, religious and economic diversity. The public is invited to the following events to honor a man who gave his life for this purpose.
Friday, January 16, 17th Annual Free Community Dinner: Gordon Commons, Room B5, University of Wisconsin Campus, 717 W. Johnson Street (upper level of Lake Street Side). The dinner begins at 5:00 pm.
Monday January 19, 19th Annual City-County Observance: The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Oscar Mayer Theatre at the Madison Civic Center. This year’s program will feature two dynamic and highly regarded local leaders speaking about Dr. King’s influence on their lives; Ed Holmes, principal of Madison’s James C. Wright Middle school and recent winner of the prestigious Miliken Award and; Judge Paul Higgenbotham who recently became the first African-American to serve on an appeals court in Wisconsin. The program also includes the annual presentation of the City of Madison Dr. King Humanitarian Award and the Dane County Dr. King Recognition Award.
Monday January 19, 6th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Service Day: Madison will join over 150 communities across the country in celebrating the national holiday honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by making it "a day ON, not a day off." Hundreds of middle and high school students are expected to attend an inspirational forum at the Concourse Hotel (please note this new location this year) beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Later that day, these students will spread throughout Dane County where they will perform acts of volunteerism that help feed and clothe those in need. Students that performed at least 100 hours of volunteerism during 2003 will be presented. Young people in attendance will be likewise challenged to strive towards meeting this 100-Hour Challenge in 2004. Call Tracie Gilbert at (608) 251-8550 for more information
In addition to King Coalition sponsored events, other activities commemorating the legacy of Dr. King include:
Sunday, January 18, The Urban League’s 20th Annual Breakfast Celebration: Outstanding young people will be inducted into the National Achievers Society. The 2003 Mann Scholars will be announced. The breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Edgewood High School cafeteria, 2219 Monroe Street, Madison. Sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Madison, Inc. Tickets are available for only $5 at the door. Call (608) 251-8550 for more information. Sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Madison.
Saturday, January 17, Women in Focus 18th Annual I have a Dream Scholarship Banquet and Ball: The festive evening will be held at the Concourse Hotel. It begins with a cash bar at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8:30 p.m. featuring the Chicago jazz band, State of Mind. Proceeds from the $60 Black Tie event provide college scholarships and book awards to deserving high school students of color. Dine, dance and enjoy this community-wide benefit that honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy while helping students realize their dreams of higher education. Reservations are required by January 5, 2004 by calling 608-833-8424. Sponsored by Women in Focus.