On Monday, January 16, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs will help mark the national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by leading the 16th Annual “King Fest” in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 88th birthday at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St.

The celebration will start at 12 p.m. and will feature activities until close at 6 p.m.

The event’s keynote speaker will be Attorney Rose Sanders, activist, historian, playwright and Alabama’s first Black judge. Alderwoman Coggs will also be a featured speaker during the event, which is free and open to the public.

“King Fest offers a great opportunity for engagement and reflection, a welcoming community event that celebrates the life and work of Dr. King while also bringing people together in a positive spirit of unity, justice, peace, and love,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

Event special features:

• From: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Vendors and video (Reflection 54 Years Later).
• From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Drumming, spoken word, songs, Praise Dancers, and local/national keynote speakers.

The annual King Celebration was created by Janette Herrera, the late Mileka Ajuwani and Elizabeth Smith. The event’s sponsors are Dr. Patricia McManus, President/CEO of Black Health Coalition of Wisconsin, City Treasurer Spencer Coggs, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Rahim Islam, President/CEO at Universal Companies, and Northwest Funeral Home.