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In the wake of national and local civil unrest, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is asking Milwaukee to come together for change during the state’s largest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event, in remembrance of Dr. King’s famous words: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” 

Guests can join top Milwaukee leaders beginning Monday, Jan. 18 to advance health and education equity across the city by engaging in virtual sessions, meaningful discussion, networking and more while honoring Dr. King, local service organizations, and winners of the YMCA’s student spoken word contest. This is the first year the popular annual event will be digital, and follow-up discussions about social determinants of health will continue throughout the week. 

“It’s worth remembering, now more than ever, Dr. King’s legacy and his commitment to social change,” said Shaneé Jenkins, VP of Social Responsibility at the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “The Y has been building a community network around action, and this event brings key voices to the table to shape the future of health and education equity in our city. It’s everyone’s chance to take a meaningful part in some of our most critical issues.” 

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Alongside guests like Kevin Washington, President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA, and other key local leaders, attendees can: 

• Provide input on the Y’s integrated health and equity plans in Milwaukee for 2021
• Meet with policymakers and leaders across the city in virtual networking events
• Celebrate this year’s health and social responsibility honorees
• Connect with community movements and organizations making an impact 
• Join ongoing panel discussions about social determinants of health throughout the week 

Another attendee-favorite highlight will return: Presentations from student winners of the YMCA’s spoken word contest. Attendees are encouraged to digitally commend the kids as they share their pieces. 

Top health organizations like Advocate Aurora, Froedtert Medical College of Wisconsin and GE Healthcare will join business leaders from Northwestern Mutual, Potawatomi, and other companies to connect and strengthen equity efforts across different sectors of the city.  

Tickets start at $25, which goes toward the Y’s integrated efforts in health, education and equity. Organizations that want to strengthen their presence can sponsor or buy groups of tickets for their teams. The community can learn more about the event at ymcamke.org/about-us/mlk-celebration.