On January 18, 2025, the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Celebration marks its 30th anniversary, bringing hundreds of community members together to honor Dr. King’s legacy and champion the ideals of equity, justice, and unity.
Organized by the Brown County MLK Celebration Committee, this year’s event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. The 2025 theme, "A Vision for Peace: Keep the Dream Alive," highlights the importance of advancing Dr. King’s ideals in today’s world.
“Over the past three decades, the MLK Celebration has had a profound impact – bringing people together and strengthening the region’s commitment to inclusivity,” said Christine Bekyir, co-chair of MLK Celebration Committee and executive assistant at NWTC. “As we celebrate this 30th anniversary, we're not just marking time— we're honoring the lasting impact of Dr. King's message. This celebration has united us, sparked important conversations, and reminded us all of the ongoing work needed to keep Dr. King's dream alive.”
One of the key cornerstones of the event is the involvement of local youth, from the K-12 creative contest interpreting the annual theme to performances from school choirs and cultural organizations. Over the years, the celebration has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and other prizes and has engaged upwards of 400 students each year.
“We’re incredibly proud that this celebration provides a platform for young minds to shine,” says Ingrid Parker-Hill, co-chair of the MLK Celebration Committee and director of engagement and inclusion at GBAPS. “The K-12 creative contest and student performances showcase their unique perspectives and talents, encouraging them to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and its relevance today. This year’s theme feels especially meaningful, and we’re excited to see how these students bring it to life with their creativity and passion.”
What to know about the 2025 MLK Celebration:
- When: Saturday, January 18, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Where: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 2740 W. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54303 (Please enter through Door #9, Main Entrance and Student Center.)
- Program Highlights:
- The annual K-12 contest with $1,000 scholarships and other prizes for student participants.
- Awards recognizing influential teachers and community leaders.
- Cultural performances.
- Light cuisine.
- And more!
The Brown County MLK Celebration Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of the local community and beyond. The committee consists of members from diverse cultural backgrounds and representing businesses and organizations across the region.
The community sponsors of the 2025 celebration include: Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Schreiber, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Wisconsin Public Service Foundation.
For more information and to stay updated with the details of the event, visit browncomlk.org
