For over 20 years, I have served on the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration steering committee. Milwaukee’s officially recognized celebration is the longest continuously running acknowledgement of King’s legacy. The city event has various performers, speeches and highlights an art, speech and writing contest for youth based on a chosen theme from King’s speeches or writing. This theme changes each year.
As the city prepares to host its 41st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, the theme is, “What Are You Doing For Others?” This theme resonates with me as not only something important to think about every day, but also as a reminder about King’s legacy. There are so many ways to help make the world a better place. Remembering the sacrifice and achievements of King and countless leaders like him shows the impact that individuals can have when they make the decision to work toward change. I am reminded of the need to be vigilant in serving others and the importance of protecting rights and freedoms.
Each year, as I see the art, hear the speeches and read the essays submitted for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration contests, I am inspired and reassured. It’s great to see that there are youth who understand the value of King’s legacy and are equipped with the values and inspiration to continue to help make the world a more just, equitable and inclusive place. It is an inspiration for me to try to do more and a reminder that I cannot fall into complacency.
