Milwaukee events honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

There were several events in Milwaukee to commemorate the life of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with many organizations and volunteers pitching in for a day of service on what is considered a day off. 

All Milwaukee County offices and buildings were closed Monday and this is the first year Milwaukee County government is marking the day as a holiday.

The day began with the 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at the Italian Community Center at 7:30 a.m. Governor Scott Walker, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, were among the leaders who attended. The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee also sponsored a day of service at locations across the city.

More than 500 volunteers joined City Year Milwaukee for a day of service to honor the legacy of Dr. King, Jr. Volunteers helped beautify MPS' Washington High School of Information Technology with more than 150 murals and a number of carpentry projects. Organizers say the murals are meant to inspire and included historical figures, quotes, and academic images and college logos.

There was a full schedule of events at Milwaukee's Martin Luther King Library between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. In addition to dances, children's theater and a poetry slam, Mayor Tom Barrett helped volunteers with a mural painting. 

The Milwaukee Fire Department teamed up with the American Red Cross to canvass high-risk neighborhoods to pass out fire safety education material and install smoke alarms as part of MLK Day of Service.

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Program and March was held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1927 N. 4th Street, in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County Parks help an MLK Celebration at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center near 15th and Vine streets in Milwaukee. 

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