2027 GREATER LA CROSSE MLK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Together,
We Continue
the Work.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Through Leadership, Service, and Community.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives through the actions we take,
the communities we strengthen, and the opportunities we create for others.
Join us for the 2027 Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration as we honor
Dr. King's vision, recognize extraordinary community leaders, and come together
in a shared commitment to building a beloved community.
Event information:
Monday, January 18, 2027
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
La Crosse, Wisconsin
5:30 PM – Community Gathering & Resource Tables
6:30 PM – Theater Opens & Music
7:00–8:30 PM – Community Celebration
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO RSVP REQUIRED.
2027 MLK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Together,
We Continue the Work.
Honoring Dr. King's legacy. Celebrating local leadership.
Building the Beloved Community.
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2027
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
900 Viterbo Drive | La Crosse, Wisconsin
FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE
No registration or RSVP required. All are welcome!
More Than a Celebration.
A Call to Action.
Dr. King's legacy challenges us to do more than remember his words. It calls us to put his vision into action.
For generations, individuals across Greater La Crosse have demonstrated that meaningful change begins with people willing to lead, serve, and stand for what is right.
The MLK Community Celebration brings us together to recognize that leadership, honor our shared history, and inspire the next generation to continue the work.
Because building a beloved community is not the responsibility of a few. It is the work of all of us.
MEET OUR 2027 PROGRAM LEADERS
2027 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Muhibb Dyer
Continuing the Conversation.
Inspiring Action.
The 2027 MLK Community Celebration welcomes Muhibb Dyer as our featured keynote speaker.
Through this year's keynote, we invite our community to reflect on the meaning of Dr. King's legacy today and the role each of us plays in creating a more just, compassionate, and connected society.
Join us for an evening that challenges us to move beyond reflection and toward meaningful action.
2027 HOST OF CEREMONIES
Dr. Walé Elegbede
Dr. Walé Elegbede is a transformational strategist, healthcare executive, TED speaker, and community leader dedicated to advancing ethical leadership, justice, and service.
He serves as Director of Strategy Management Services at Mayo Clinic and President of the Rochester NAACP.
Originally from West Africa, Dr. Elegbede brings a powerful perspective shaped by his personal journey, professional leadership, and commitment to building stronger, more connected communities.
He holds a Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership from Viterbo University and has dedicated much of his work to advancing human rights, leadership development, and community engagement.
An Evening of Reflection, Recognition, and Community
The Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration brings together neighbors, families, students, educators, organizations, and community leaders to honor Dr. King's enduring legacy.
Join us for an evening of connection, cultural expression, leadership recognition, and inspiration.
5:30–6:30 PM | Community Gathering & Resource Tables
Connect with local organizations, discover community resources, and learn about opportunities to get involved across Greater La Crosse.
6:30 PM | Theater Opens & Music
Gather for the evening celebration as we prepare to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
7:00–8:30 PM | MLK Community Celebration
Experience an evening of inspiring messages, cultural performances, and recognition of individuals whose leadership and service are making a difference in our community.
All are welcome. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
HOW WILL YOU JOIN US?
There are many ways to be part of this meaningful community tradition. Whether you attend, nominate a leader, share your organization's resources, or volunteer, your participation helps strengthen our community.
ATTEND THE CELEBRATION
Bring your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Everyone is welcome!
No registration required.
NOMINATE A LEADER
Help recognize youth, college students, and adults whose courage, compassion, and commitment to justice and service are making a meaningful difference.
HOST A COMMUNITY TABLE
Share your organization's programs, resources, and opportunities with community members during our pre-celebration networking experience.
VOLUNTEER
Help create a welcoming and meaningful experience by volunteering your time and talents.
2027 MLK Community Leadership Awards
Help us recognize individuals making a meaningful difference in the Greater La Crosse community.
The MLK Community Celebration honors individuals who carry forward Dr. King’s
legacy through leadership, service, advocacy, and community impact.
We invite nominations in three categories:
Youth Leadership Award
College-Age Leadership Award
Adult Leadership Award
Leadership is not defined by a title, but by the difference we make in the lives of others.
Award recipients will be recognized at the 2027 MLK Community Celebration on Monday, January 18, 2027.
Award recipients will be recognized at the 2027 MLK Community Celebration on Monday, January 18, 2027.
There Is a Place for Everyone in This Work.
A beloved community is built through participation. Whether you attend, volunteer, share resources, or support the celebration, your involvement helps carry Dr. King's vision forward.
Join neighbors from across Greater La Crosse for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and community connection.
Host a Community Table
Represent your organization, share resources, and connect with individuals and families who want to make a difference.
Volunteer
Help create a welcoming and meaningful experience for everyone who attends. Volunteers play an important role in bringing this community tradition to life.
Become a Sponsor
Support an annual tradition that recognizes local leadership, inspires community action, and remains free and accessible to the public.
Connect Your Organization With Our Community
The Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration is an opportunity to bring people and organizations together around a shared commitment to service, leadership, and community.
We invite local nonprofits, educational institutions, community organizations, and service providers to participate in our Community Gathering & Resource Tables.
This is an opportunity to introduce your organization, share valuable resources, build relationships, and connect with individuals and families from across the region.
Event details:
Monday, January 18, 2027
5:30–6:30 PM
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Who Should Participate?
Organizations that provide community resources, educational opportunities, youth development, family support, leadership development, or other services that strengthen Greater La Crosse are encouraged to participate.
Event details:
Monday, January 18, 2027
5:30–6:30 PM
Viterbo University Fine Arts Center
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Who Should Participate?
Organizations that provide community resources, educational opportunities, youth development, family support, leadership development, or other services that strengthen Greater La Crosse are encouraged to participate.
What to Expect
Participating organizations will have an opportunity to connect with attendees before the main celebration begins at 7:00 PM.
Invest in the Legacy.
Strengthen Our Community.
2027 MLK Community Celebration Sponsorship Opportunities
The Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration is more than an annual event. It is a community tradition that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while recognizing the individuals and organizations continuing his work.
Through the generosity of community sponsors and partners, this celebration remains free and accessible to the public.
Your sponsorship supports an evening of cultural expression, leadership recognition, community engagement, and inspiration.
Together, we can honor the legacy and invest in the work that continues.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsorship is an opportunity to demonstrate your organization's commitment to leadership, service, and a stronger Greater La Crosse community.
Your support helps bring people together, celebrate local leaders, and inspire meaningful community participation.
Made Possible by Our Community Partners
The MLK Community Celebration is made possible through the generosity of businesses, organizations, and individuals who believe in the power of community, leadership, and service.
Because of our partners, this meaningful tradition remains free and open to everyone.
We are grateful for their commitment to honoring Dr. King's legacy and supporting opportunities for connection, reflection, and meaningful action.
Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (GLADC)
Couleecap, Inc.
Congregation Sons of Abraham
School District of Onalaska
Marine Credit Union
Great Rivers United Way
First Congregational Church
Trust Point
UWL Foundation Inc
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of La Crosse
Our History. Our Legacy. Our Community.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Greater La Crosse
Since 2009, the Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration has brought people together to honor Dr. King's legacy and recognize the importance of leadership, service, and community.
What began as a commitment to remembrance continues as an opportunity to reflect on our progress, recognize those making a difference, and renew our responsibility to one another.
Each year, the celebration highlights the individuals and organizations whose actions demonstrate that meaningful change is possible when people work together.
As we honor the past, we also look toward the future and the generations who will continue this work.
Join the Celebration From Wherever You Are
Unable to attend in person? We invite you to experience the 2027 Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration online.
Join us as we honor Dr. King's legacy, recognize community leadership, and share an evening of inspiration.
Monday, January 18, 2027
7:00 PM Central
Livestream details will be shared as we get closer to the event.
Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration
Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through community, leadership, service, and a shared commitment to continuing the work.
© 2027 Greater La Crosse MLK Community Celebration. All Rights Reserved.