MLK Community Celebration
Honoring Leadership, Service, and the Beloved Community
Each year, our community gathers to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through reflection, music, and recognition of individuals who exemplify leadership, service, and justice.
The MLK Community Celebration lifts up local leaders, celebrates youth and community impact, and invites everyone to recommit to building the Beloved Community Dr. King envisioned.
Together, we continue the work.
Event Details
MLK Community Celebration
📅 Date: January (Date TBD)
🕒 Time: (Time TBD)
📍 Location: Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
La Crosse, Wisconsin
The celebration is free and open to the public.
Community members, students, educators, families, and local organizations are all welcome to attend.
A Celebration of Reflection, Music, and Action
The MLK Community Celebration brings our community together to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and celebrate those who carry his work forward.
The program includes:
✔ Inspirational keynote address
✔ Youth and community leadership awards
✔ Musical performances and tributes
✔ Opportunities to connect with community organizations
✔ Moments of reflection and shared commitment to justice
This celebration reminds us that honoring Dr. King is not only about remembrance — it is about responsibility.
Celebrating Leadership and Legacy
Each year we recognize individuals who embody Dr. King’s call to leadership, courage, and service.
Lynda Blackmon Lowery Youth Leadership Award
Honors outstanding youth leadership grounded in courage, advocacy, and service.
Recent Honoree Example:
Amaya Emler, Central High School
William “Bill” Coleman College Leadership Award
Recognizes college students who demonstrate integrity, leadership, and meaningful community impact.
Recent Honoree Example:
Courtney Chambers, Western Technical College
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leadership Award
Honors a community leader whose work reflects Dr. King’s vision of justice, compassion, and service.
Recent Honoree Example:
Vincent Hamilton
Nominate a Leader
Know someone who embodies the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Each year, community members nominate individuals whose leadership and service make a meaningful difference in our community.
Award categories include:
✔ Youth Leadership Award
✔ College Leadership Award
✔ MLK Community Leadership Award
Help us recognize those who continue Dr. King’s legacy of courage, justice, and compassion.
Host an Information or Resource Table
Organizations, nonprofits, and community partners are invited to host information tables during the celebration.
Resource tables provide an opportunity to:
✔ Share services and programs
✔ Connect with community members
✔ Highlight opportunities for service and advocacy
✔ Strengthen community partnerships
Hosting a table helps expand awareness of the resources and organizations working to strengthen our community.
Support the MLK Community Celebration
This celebration is made possible through the generosity of community partners and supporters.
Your contribution helps:
* Sustain this annual celebration
* Elevate local leaders and changemakers
* Support youth leadership recognition
* Expand opportunities for community engagement
Together, we ensure this important community tradition continues to inspire future generations.
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
Often called the Black National Anthem, Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing reminds us of resilience, faith, and hope — guiding values of this celebration.
Its message reflects the spirit of the MLK Community Celebration and the ongoing work of justice and belonging.
MLK Community Celebration Committee
The MLK Community Celebration is guided by a dedicated group of community members, educators, faith leaders, and advocates who believe deeply in equity, justice, and belonging.
Through collaboration and shared leadership, the committee works to create an event that honors Dr. King’s legacy and inspires continued action in our community.
Stay Connected
Stay informed about the MLK Community Celebration, nomination opportunities, and ways to get involved.
Join our mailing list to receive updates and event announcements.