PBS Wisconsin Public Affairs

MLK 2025 Tribute: Justice Lives Here

[APPLAUSE] >> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE.

IT IS MY DISTINCT HONOR AND PLEASURE TO WELCOME ALL OF YOU TO THE WISCONSIN STATE CAPITOL.

TODAY AS WE CELEBRATE THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DRDR.

MARTIN LUTHR KING, JR. ANOTHER YEAR OF BEING ABLE TO COME TOGETHER FOR THIS ANNUAL CELEBRATION, ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE NATION.

IT IS THANKS TO DR. OVERBY AND THE ENTIRE 2025MLK STATE PLANNING GROUP WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY TO PUT THIS HISTORIC AND IMPORTANT ON EACH YEAR.

WE’RE ALSO LUCKY TO HAVE OUR TALENTED MUSICAL PERFORMERS, DANCERS AND GUEST SPEAKER AT TODAY’S EVENT TO MAKE THIS COMMEMORATION OF DR. KING EVEN MORE MEANINGFUL.

TODAY WE REFLECT ON DR. KING’S LEGACY IN THE UNITED STATES AND ACROSS THE WORLD.

THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, DR. KING FOUGHT FOR THE EQUAL RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE, HAVING A PROFOUND IMPACT ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND THE TRAJECTORY OF OUR NATION.

AND AS WE CELEBRATE WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN DR. KING’S 96TH BIRTHDAY, WE ARE REMINDED THAT JUST AS DR. KING’S VISION FOR OUR FUTURE HAS ENDURED FOR MORE THAN FIVE DECADES SINCE HIS PASSING, SO HAS HIS ROLE IN INSPIRING GENERATIONS OF FUTURE LEADERS.

TO THAT END, I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RECOGNIZE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2025 MLK HERITAGE AWARDS.

EACH OF YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO OUR COMMUNITIES, TRULY RESEMBLING TODAY’S THEME OF “JUSTICE LIVES HERE,” AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING HOW YOU CONTINUE TO LEAD WISCONSIN INTO THE FUTURE.

AS WE HONOR DR. KING, HIS LIFE, HIS LEGACY AND VISIONARY LEADERSHIP, THIS YEAR’S THEME GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT ON HOW TO WORK TOGETHER TO BRIDGE THE GAPS THAT DIVIDE US AS WE WORK TO GO FORWARD TO DELIVER ON THE PROMISE OF JUSTICE.

TODAY, WE ARE REINVIGORATED TO CONTINUE OUR PURSUIT OF JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, EQUITY AND THE INCLUSION OF ALL PEOPLE IN OUR EFFORTS TO BUILD THE FUTURE WE WANT TO SEE FOR OUR STATE AND OUR COUNTRY.

WHETHER IT’S BOLSTERING OUR EDUCATORS TO ENSURE EVERY KID HAS A QUALITY EDUCATION THEY DESERVE AND EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED AND ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS OR SUPPORTING EFFORTS THAT INCREASE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION AND THE ABILITY OF ALL INDIVIDUALS TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE END OF THE DAY, OR ENSURING THAT WE DO ALL WE CAN TO ADDRESS DISPARITIES IN HEALTH AND END CYCLES OF VIOLENCE THAT HAVE HELD FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES BACK FOR FAR TOO LONG, OR DEFENDING AND PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY AND ENSURING THAT VOTING IS AS EASY AND AS ACCESSIBLE AS POSSIBLE FOR EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER.

ALL OF THIS WORK IS PART OF OUR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO CONNECT THE DOTS AND CREATE THE MOST JUST, EQUITABLE AND THRIVING COMMUNITY THAT DR. KING ENVISIONED FOR US.

I REMAIN COMMITTED TO BEING A PARTNER IN THIS WORK TODAY AND THE YEARS AHEAD.

AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO 2025, I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING OUR WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD THE SORT OF FUTURE WE WANT TO SEE FOR OUR STATE AND OUR COUNTRY, A FUTURE WHERE JUSTICE AND GENEROSITY ARE CELEBRATED AND WHERE EVERY FAMILY AND COMMUNITY, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR ZIP CODE, CAN BUILD HEALTH AND WEALTH AND THRIVE JUST AS DR. KING BELIEVED WE COULD DO SO.

SO THANK YOU AND NOW BEFORE I GO, IT’S MY HONOR TO PRESENT A PROCLAMATION TO DR. OVERBY OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZING TODAY AS MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY AND HONORING DR. KING FOR HIS PROFOUND LEGACY AND IMPACTING IMPACT THAT STILL LIVES ON IN OUR STATE TODAY.

DR. OVERBY, WHERE ARE YOU, SIR?

[APPLAUSE] >> I KNEW YOU’D BE HERE.

>> WHEREAS TODAY THE STATE OF WISCONSIN CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO CONTINUING HIS WORK BY REJECTING BIGOTRY AND HATE IN ALL ITS MANIFESTATIONS, ADDRESSING INSTITUTIONAL INEQUITIES AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY AND INCLUSION FOR WISCONSINITES OF ALL BACKGROUNDS AND IDENTITIES.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LI LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE.

O, THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE YEAH, I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE >> COME ON NOW.

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE YEAH, YOU CAN JUMP UP ON YOUR FEET THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE OH, I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE >> LET ME HEAR YOU, COME ON!

I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE OH, ALL AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE ALL AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD WELL, I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE ROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE >> THIS LITTLE LIGHT, YOU ALL SING.

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE.

>> PUT YOUR FOOT IN IT.

>> THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE OH, OH NOW, LISTEN TO THE DAIS THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE >> EVERYBODY!

LET IT SHINE, LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE YOU CAN TAKE A SEAT I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE WELL, THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE I’M GONNA LET IT SHINE LET IT SHINE OH, LET IT SHINE OOOH, LET IT SHINE >> YEAH!

YES, LET IT SHINE [APPLAUSE] >> YOU GOT TO PUT SOMETHING IN THERE.

YES, SIR.

OUR MUSICAL DIRECTOR, BECCA MAY GRANT ON THE PIANO OVER THERE, PLEASE.

>> TODAY WE GATHER FOR THE 45TH TRIBUTE TO DR. KING HERE AT THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA, AND YEAR AFTER YEAR I START MIDDLE OF JULY GETTING THE PROGRAM, YOU KNOW, READY IN MY MIND.

AND THIS YEAR I BEGAN, I SHOULD SAY THIS LAST SUMMER, QUESTIONING WHETHER I SHOULD PUT IT ON OR NOT.

I JUST STARTED TO WONDER WHETHER IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

YOU SEE, I’M A PATRIOT OF THIS NATION.

I WORE A UNIFORM TO SERVE IT, AND JUST LIKE MANY OF YOU IN THIS ROOM, WATCHING AND LISTENING ACROSS THE STATE, I DID SO BECAUSE I CARE AND BECAUSE I LOVE OUR COUNTRY.

TO WITNESS THE UGLINESS OF SOME WHO BEYOND THEIR USE OF PEJORATIVE LANGUAGE TO DESCRIBE CERTAIN GROUPS HAVE NO PROBLEM USING FEAR AS A TOOL TO DIVIDE US FOR PERSONAL GAIN, I FIND THAT TROUBLESOME.

TO WITNESS GROUPS AROUND THE COUNTRY WHO ARE ON A MISSION TO REWRITE OUR BLUR OR EVEN BURY THE TRUTH OF OUR NATION’S PAINFUL PAST WHEN IT COMES TO SOCIAL JUSTICE.

FRANKLY, IT JUST GOT TO ME.

THEN I REMEMBERED SOMETHING THAT WAS TOLD MOO ME, A STORY ABOUT DR. KING, THAT WHEN HE WAS THERE IN MONTGOMERY FOR THAT 381-DAY BUS BOYCOTT, HE WAS GETTING LIFE-THREATENING CALLS AT HIS HOME.

HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE BEING THREATENED.

HE HAD DEATH THREATS.

AND HE WONDERED WHETHER HE SHOULD DO IT OR NOT, TO CONTINUE WITH THE MOVEMENT.

AND SO HE LOOKED TO HEAVEN FOR HELP, ASKING IF HE SHOULD CARRY ON.

I DID THE SAME THING AND THE ANSWER WAS YES.

BUT LET ME BE CLEAR.

THE WEIGHT OF HIS CALLING COMPARED TO MINE ARE VASTLY DIFFERENT.

BUT WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS THIS THE SOURCE IS THE SAME.

AND THAT’S WHY, THAT’S WHY I CAN STAND HERE TODAY AFTER 45 YEARS AND NOT BE AFRAID TO PUT ON THIS EVENT, BECAUSE I STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF MY ANCESTORS.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> AND NOT BE DISCOURAGED, BECAUSE THEY HAD A SONG IN THEIR HEART.

THEY HAD SPIRIT IN THEIR CALLING.

AND THEY SAID TO THIS NATION, WE WILL NOT GIVE UP.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO MARCH ON, PRESS ON, STRUGGLE ON, AND FIGHT FOR EQUALITY IN THE SPIRIT OF UNITY AND NOT DIVISION.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> SO TODAY, WE’RE GOING TO FEED YOU WITH SOME MEMORIES.

WE’RE GOING TO DO SO IN THE SPIRIT OF GOOD COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE IN WORDS AND DANCE AND MUSIC, TO PAY TRIBUTE NOT ONLY TO DR. KING AND HIS LEGACY, BUT TO ALL THOSE FOLKS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE CAUSE.

WE CANNOT FORGET THAT.

AND SO TODAY IT IS A TIME FOR BOTH REFLECTION AND CELEBRATION.

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU THE REVEREND TRACEY ANDREA KENNEY, ELDER IN THE AFRICAN EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

REVEREND KENNEY AND I TALKED A COUPLE TIMES AND HAD A WONDERFUL CONVERSATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF HER CHURCH FORMED IN 1881.

HER CHURCH, AS THE PASTOR OF BETHEL AME CHURCH IN BELOIT, WISCONSIN, FORMED IN 1881.

AND SHE IS HERE TODAY TO RENDER OUR INVOCATION.

PLEASE WELCOME PASTOR KENNEY.

[APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU, DR. OVERBY, FOR THAT WONDERFUL AND WARM THAT WONDERFUL AND WARM INTRODUCTION.

GREETINGS TO GOVERNOR EVERS AND YOUR WIFE, TO THOSE ON THE DAIS TODAY AND TO ALL WHO HAVE GATHERED HERE IN THIS BEAUTIFUL ROTUNDA OR WHO ARE WATCHING VIRTUALLY.

LET US PRAY.

CREATOR AND PRESERVER OF ALL HUMANKIND, GIVER OF LIFE AND HEALTH, THE FAITHFUL ONE THAT INSPIRES IN US A VISION OF JUSTICE AND LOVE, WE ARE GATHERED ON TODAY TO CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

YOUR HUMBLE SERVANT, WHO SERVED FAITHFULLY, FULLY EMBRACING THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE IN CHAPTER 4, WHICH DECLARES THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PROCLAIM GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR.

HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM FREEDOM FOR THE PRISONERS AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT FOR THE BLIND.

TO SET THE OPPRESSED FREE, TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR.

LORD, AS THE ULTIMATE PROCLAIMER OF JUSTICE, HELP CREATE IN US A HEART THAT REMINDS US YOUR JUSTICE LIVES HERE.

LORD, REMIND US THAT EVEN AMID THE WORLD THAT MAY HAVE CHAOS AND CONFUSION, YOUR JUSTICE LIVES HERE.

SOURCE OF ALL TRUE JOY, REMIND US TODAY AS WE HEAR SONGS OF ZION SUNG, DANCING TO YOUR GLORY AND SPOKEN WORD PROCLAIMED, YOUR JUSTICE LIVES HERE.

SOURCE OF TRUTH AND LAW, REMIND US YOUR JUSTICE LIVES HERE!

GUIDE OF INSPIRATION AND HUMANITY, WE INVITE YOUR RUACH, YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, TO FALL FRESH UPON ALL THAT IS SAID AND DONE TODAY.

OH, COMPASSIONATE ONE, WE LIFT THIS PRAYER IN THE NAME OF THE ONE WHO GUIDES US TO HEAR AND TO HEED THE WORD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET MICAH.

HE HAS TOLD YOU, HUMAN ONE, WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE FROM YOU: TO DO JUSTICE, EMBRACE FAITHFUL LOVE AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.

THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD, WHOSE JUSTICE LIVES HERE.

AMEN AND ASHEA.

>> AND NOW I INVITE YOU TO REFLECT FOR A MOMENT ON OUR PAST, IN WHICH WE HAVE GIVEN OUR BEST TO MAKE THIS A BETTER COUNTRY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED IN THAT AREA, AND I ASK YOU FOR A MOMENT TO STAND AND PAY TRIBUTE TO ALL OF THOSE FALLEN HEROES AND HEROINES, THE HISTORY AND THE HERSTORY THAT CAN REMIND US OF THE GREAT SACRIFICES MADE IN THE TRIBUTE OF EQUALITY AND JUSTICE FOR THIS NATION.

[TIME OF MEDITATION] [BAGPIPES PIPING] [BAGPIPES PIPING] [BAGPIPES PLAYING “AMAZING GRACE”] [PROCESSION OF COLOR GUARD] [“TAPS”] [“TAPS”] RECESSIONAL OF COLOR GUARD] >> NOW FOR 45 YEARS, I’VE HAD THE HONOR AND PRIVILEGE OF THE HONOR AND PRIVILEGE OF STANDING IN THIS VERY SPOT, AND I WAS LOOKING AT SOME OLD PICTURES, AND, OKAY, I HAD HAIR BACK THEN, AND I WAS A COUPLE OF SUIT SIZES SMALLER.

DON’T SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE YOU’RE ALL GOING TO FACE THAT.

JUST KEEP LIVING.

BUT I’VE BEEN ABLE TO KEEP GOING.

AND PART OF IT IS BECAUSE OF BRINGING GOSPEL MUSIC TO THIS VERY PLACE.

AND IF YOU LOOK AROUND YOU RIGHT NOW, I BELIEVE, GOVERNOR EVERS, THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST CULTURALLY INCLUSIVE DAY IN THE STATE CAPITOL.

I’D SAY THAT IS THE CASE.

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

[APPLAUSE] IS APPROPRIATE TO HAVE GOSPEL MUSIC WHICH HAS SUSTAINED CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS SINCE THE BEGINNING.

AND WE HAVE A GROUP HERE THAT HASN’T BEEN HERE FOR A FEW — MY GOODNESS, YOU ALL LOOK GOOD!

YES, SIR.

THEY ARE KNOWN AS THE GMAC, THE GOSPEL MUSIC ACCORDING TO CHICAGO.

AND THEY ARE HERE TO GIVE US AN A AND B SELECTION.

IF YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, YOU’VE BEEN AROUND A WHILE.

AND SO I WOULD LIKE YOU TO GIVE THEM — NOW, WHEN I SAY WARM, I MEAN IN THE SPIRIT — OKAY, BOTH WAYS, WARM AND IN THE SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY.

PLEASE GIVE THEM A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] SOMEDAY I WON’T HAVE TO CRY NO MORE SOMEDAY I WON’T HAVE TO CRY NO MORE SOMEDAY I’M GOING TO REST ON THE OTHER SIDE SOMEDAY, YEAH I SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY OH, YES, I WILL SOMEDAY, THERE WILL BE NO MORE DISCRIMINATION SEGREGATION SOMEDAY, OH, PLEASE, ANSWER MY PRAYER SOMEDAY, OH, YES, SOMEDAY I SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY OOOH MY HEART I DO BELIEVE WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY, YES, SOMEDAY OH, DEEP IN MY HEART DEEP IN MY HEART I DO BELIEVE I DO BELIEVE WE SHALL OVERCOME YES, WE SHALL, YES, WE SHALL SOMEDAY, I SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY YEA, YEA, YEA [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> BLESS YOU!

BLESS YOU!

BLESS YOU!

>> YEA!

WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY DOWN IN MY HEART I DO BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL OVE, WE SHALL, E SHALL WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY DOWN IN MY HEART I DO BEL BELIEVE WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY [CLAPPING] DOWN IN MY HEART I DO BELIEVE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY YEA!

WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME DOWN IN MY HEART I DO BELIEVE WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> ALLELUIA!

>> ALLELUIA!

ALLELUIA!

>> YEA!

>> ALLELUIA >> YOU AIN’T GETTING OUT OF HERE THAT FAST.

CAN YOU GIVE US ANOTHER CHORUS OF THAT?

YEAH?

YOU GOT SOME MORE?

CAN WE HAVE A LITTLE MORE OF THAT?

YOU COMING BACK ONE MORE TIME?

YEAH!

WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME OVERCOME WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL OVERCOME OOOH OOOH OOOH OOOH DOWN IN MY HEART I DO BELIEVE WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL, WE SHALL, WE SHALL WE SHALL OVERCOME >> YEAH!

SOMEDAY [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> YES!

>> ALLELUIA.

>> GMAC.

ALL RIGHT.

YOU SEE, I KNOW BROTHER PASTOR REVEREND ALLEN, I KNOW WHAT THEY’RE TRYING TO DO.

THEY’RE TRYING TO TEAR THE PROGRAM UP.

BUT WE THANK YOU FOR TRAVELING SO FAR UP THE ROAD.

THEY WERE HERE AT LIKE 8:30, 9:00 THIS MORNING.

SO THEY WILL BE BACK, ALL RIGHT?

AND GIVE THEM ANOTHER HAND, PLEASE.

HERE.

[APPLAUSE] >> I’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU OUR FIRST MLK HERITAGE AWARD OUR FIRST MLK HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENT TODAY, TAMARRA COLEMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OFKENOSHA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENT, SERVES AS A BOARD MEMBER FOR THE BUSINESS ALLIANCE AND THE KENOSHA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

SHE SERVED AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL ON THE KENOSHA UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD.

IF YOU’RE GETTING THE PICTURE, SHE IS SOMEBODY WHO SERVES.

AND WE’RE DELIGHTED TODAY TO HAVE HER HERE.

AND I WOULD LIKE THE FIRST AWARD TO COME OUT, LIKE NOW.

AND GIVE IT TO THE GOVERNOR.

THANK YOU.

>> WE HAVE TO PAY OUR STAFF MORE.

ANYWAY, I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE TAMARRA COLEMAN.

ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TONY EVERS, I’M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT TAMARRA COLEMAN IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE WISCONSIN 2025 MLK HERITAGE AWARD.

COME ON NOW.

YOU COME UP RIGHT UP HERE.

[APPLAUSE] >> WOW!

YOU DON’T REALIZE ALL YOU DOING YOU DON’T REALIZE ALL YOU DOING READING OFF SOMEBODY’S RESUME AND YOU’RE LIKE, DO I DO TOO MUCH?

TO GOVERNOR EVERS, DR. OVERBY AND THE COMMITTEE, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY WITH GRATITUDE AND HUMILITY AS I ACCEPT THIS 2025 HERITAGE AWARD.

I WANT TO EXTEND MY HEART FELT THANKS TO GOVERNOR EVERS AND THE COMMITTEE FOR THIS IN COMEBL — INCREDIBLE HONOR.

TO BE RECOGNIZED IN THE SPIRIT OF DR. KING, A MAN WHO TRANSFORMED THE WORLD, IS A PRIVILEGE BEYOND WORDS.

AS I REFLECT ON THE MOMENT, I’M REMINDED OF DR. KING’S BELIEF THAT FAITH IS TAKING THE FIRST STEP EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE THE WHOLE STAIRCASE.

LIKE MANY OF YOU HERE, MY LIFE’S WORK HAS BEEN ABOUT TAKING STEPS INTO SPACES WHERE CHANGE WAS NEEDED, WHERE HOPE COULD BE REIGNITED AND LIVES COULD BE IMPACTED.

HOPE IS ACTION.

IT’S ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES AND WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

IT’S SHOWING OUR CHILDREN THAT THEIR DREAMS MATTER, THEIR VOICES CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS.

IT’S CREATING A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND, CAN THRIVE.

THIS AWARD IS NOT JUST REFLECTIVE OF MY EFFORTS, BUT OF THE COLLECTIVE SPIRIT OF COUNTLESS PEOPLE WHO HAVE INSPIRED ME, SUPPORTED ME AND REMINDED ME THAT LOVE AND JUSTICE MUST GUIDE EVERY STEP OF THIS JOURNEY.

I JUST HAVE TO THANK MY HUSBAND, MICHAEL COLEMAN, MY PARENTS AND MY SISTERS, MY BROTHER-IN-LAWS, MY DAUGHTERS, MY SON-IN-LAW AND MY LEADER OF MY FAMILY WHO THRIVES AND MAKES ME DO MY WORK EVERY DAY, MY GRANDDAUGHTER.

THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME THAT THIS WORK IS NOT ABOUT ME.

I DEDICATE THIS HONOR TO THOSE WHO DARE TO DREAM OF A BETTER TOMORROW, TO THE ONES WHO TAKE SMALL, BRAVE STEPS TOWARD BUILDING BRIDGES INSTEAD OF WALLS AND TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO I WAS SITTING OVER BY TODAY WHO REMIND US THAT HOPE BEGINS WITH BELIEVING THAT CHANGE IS POSSIBLE.

LET US CONTINUE TO HONOR DR. KING’S LEGACY BY LIFTING EACH OTHER UP, FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE AND BEING THE BEACON OF HOPE OUR WORLD SO DESPERATELY NEEDS.

OF MY HEART FOR THIS INCREDIBLE HONOR.

MAY WE ALL LIVE INSPIRED LIVES OF SPIRIT AND HOPE.

GOD BLESS YOU AND BE WELL.

[APPLAUSE] >> OH, GIVE HER ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

COME ON, Y’ALL.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND IT’S MY UNDERSTANDING YOU JUST HAD SURGERY OR SOMETHING AND I DON’T BLAME YOU.

WHEN SOMEBODY GIVE ME SOMETHING, I’M GOING TO SHOW UP HOBBLING.

YOU’RE SO DESERVING OF THE HERITAGE AWARD.

NEXT I’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU THE MLK MULTICULTURAL DANCE COLLECTIVE AND DR. ANU EBBE COORDINATED THESE ENSEMBLES.

I’M SO GRATEFUL TO HER FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THIS SEGMENT OF OUR PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES THE LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS FROM THE HO-CHUNK NATION, WHOSE ANCESTRAL LAND IS KNOWN AS FOUR LAKES BASED IN WISCONSIN DELLS.

THE GROUP PERFORMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE USING A VARIETY OF RHYTHMS, PURPOSES AND REGALIA.

THEN WE HAVE KO-THI, THE DANCE COMPANY FROM MILWAUKEE, WHICH INTERPRETS AND PERFORMS DANCE AND MUSIC ROOTED IN THE CULTURES OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA ON A MISSION TO INSPIRE COMMUNITIES NEAR AND FAR.

AND THEN WE HAVE THE KALAANJALI DANCE COMPANY, FOUNDED WITH AN EFFORT TO GIVE NUMEROUS STUDENTS BOTH IN WISCONSIN AND CALIFORNIA, THE OPPORTUNITY TO DANCE.

THERE ARE 40 STUDENTS INVOLVED AND THEY HAVE GRADUATION RECITALS.

AND THE STUDENTS COME FROM DIFFERENT AREAS AND THEY’RE HERE TODAY IN A TRIUNE OF DANCE ENSEMBLES TO CELEBRATE THE LEGACY OF DR. KING.

WOULD YOU PLEASE GIVE THEM A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[APPLAUSE] [PROCESSION OF DANCERS] [KO-THI DANCERS PERFORMING] [KO-THI DANCERS PERFORMING] [KALAANJALI DANCE COMPANY PERFORMING] [APPLAUSE] [DANCERS PERFORMING] [DANCERS PERFORMING] [KO-THI DANCE COMPANY PERFORMING] [AUDIENCE CLAPPING] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [KO-THI DANCE COMPANY [KO-THI DANCE COMPANY PERFORMING] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS CHANTING [DRUMS BEATING] [DRUMS BEATING] [LITTLE PRIEST DANCERS PERFORMING] [LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS PERFORMING] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [RECESSIONAL OF LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS] [LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS PERFORMING] [LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS AND PERFORMING] [LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS AND [LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS AND KALAANJALI DANCE COMPANY PERFORMING] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> THE KALAANJALI DANCE COMPANY, KO-THI DANCE COMPANY, THE LITTLE PRIEST SINGERS.

PLEASE GIVE THEM A BIG MLK ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT RECIPIENT OF THE MLK HERITAGE AWARD IS CHARLES TUBBS, HERITAGE AWARD IS CHARLES TUBBS, SR. [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> CURRENTLY THE DIRECTOR OF DANE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, PAST PUBLIC SERVANT ROLES INCLUDE DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF OF BELOIT, CHIEF OF POLICE OF THE CAPITOL POLICE AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE WISCONSIN DIVISION OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS.

WHILE IN BELOIT, TUBBS FOUNDED THE MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL INITIATIVE FOR YOUNG MEN AND DURING HIS TENURE WITH JUVENILE CORRECTIONS HE ENCOURAGED AND APPROVED THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MILWAUKEE TO OPEN A CLUB TO SERVE YOUNG PEOPLE DURING THEIR INCARCERATION.

ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TONY EVERS, I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT CHARLES TUBBS, SR. IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE WISCONSIN 2025 MLK HERITAGE AWARD.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> YES, SIR!

YES, SIR!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND ESTEEMED GUESTS, THANK YOU FOR COMING TOGETHER THIS AFTERNOON TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF THE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DR. KING ONCE SAID “FAITH IS TAKING THE FIRST STEP EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T SEE THE ENTIRE STAIRCASE.”

TO REFLECT ON HIS COURAGE AND VISION AND THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AND EQUALITY.

I’M DEEPLY HONORED TO RECEIVE THE 2025 HERITAGE AWARD FROM GOVERNOR EVERS.

THIS IS NOT JUST A PERSONAL MILESTONE, BUT A CELEBRATION OF MUTUAL COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, COMPASSION AND SERVICE THAT BINDS US ALL.

TO MY WIFE CINDY, WHOSE STEADFAST LOVE AND SUPPORT HAS BEEN MY ROCK, TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND MENTORS, COLLEAGUES, YOUR BELIEF IN OUR SHARED MISSION HAS MADE EVERY SUCCESS POSSIBLE.

MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO THE SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR BESTOWING THIS HONOR UPON ME.

THAT INCLUDES DR. FLOYD ROSE FOR NOMINATING ME, JOE LOMAX, THE FIRST BLACK POLICE OFFICER THE CITY OF BELOIT WHO PAVED THE WAY THROUGH SOME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TIMES.

FOR OVER 52 YEARS AS THE DIRECTOR, CHIEF OF POLICE, ADMINISTRATOR, INSTRUCTOR, HONORARY COMMANDER, I’VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING MY COMMUNITY, A JOURNEY SHAPED BY FAITHS AND GUIDED BY DR. KING’S TEACHINGS.

GROWING UP THROUGH THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, I SAW FIRST FID THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN OUR SYSTEM, OUR HEARTS AND HOW WE VALUE THE HUMAN LIFE.

SOCIAL JUSTICE IS JUST NOT A GOAL.

IT’S A DAILY RESPONSIBILITY TO STAY WITH THOSE MOST VULNERABLE AND ENSURE FAIRNESS, DIGNITY AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL.

DR. KING TAUGHT US WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE TOGETHER AS BROTHERS.

EMBRACING ALL WALKS OF LIFE, PEOPLE OF ALL RACES, ETHNICITIES, NATIONALITIES, FAITHS, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, ABILITY, CULTURES, LANGUAGE, AGE.

THERE’S NOT JUST A MORAL DUTY, BUT OUR GREATEST STRENGTH.

WHEN WE LIFT OUR CHILDREN AND THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN US, WE ELEVATE THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.

AS WE MOVE FORWARD, LET’S FOCUS ON BUILDING A FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN, A FUTURE ROOTED IN LOVE, INCLUSION, IN JUSTICE, TOGETHER WITH FAITH, PURPOSE.

WE CAN ALL BE MORE COMPASSIONATE.

TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED.

THANK YOU ALL FOR HONORING AND TRUSTING ME TO SERVE.

THANK YOU.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> AMEN!

>> AMEN!

>> HEY, MAN, YOU CAN GET ALL THEM HUGS AND KISSES LATER, MAN.

[LAUGHTER] >> CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, MY FRIEND.

AND NOW SOME MUSIC THAT FEATURES COMPOSER, PIANIST, VIOLINIST, DR. LAWREN BRIANNA WARE, WHO IS A UNIVERSITY OF INTHE MUSIC PROGRAM AND SHE IS QUITE KNOWN AS A COMPOSER AND PERFORMER, ACCOMPANIED BY BECCA MAY GRANT, OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR, WHO IS ALSO A PIANIST, TEACHER, COMPOSER WHO RESIDES IN THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN.

PLEASE GIVE THEM BOTH A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[APPLAUSE] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> GIVE ANOTHER ROUND OF >> GIVE ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

DR. WARE, THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> SHE CAN GET DOWN ON THAT THING, HUH?

YOU KNOW, I PLAY TAMBOURINE.

[LAUGHTER] OKAY.

MAYBE NOT.

MY NEXT INTRODUCTION IS FOR JONAH LARSON, CROCHET PROT AT ET FROM LA CROSSE, WISCONSIN.

HE HAS A COMMITMENT TO GIVING BACK WHAT HE HAS EARNED AND THAT IS WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION FOR HIS WORK.

HE HAS AUTHORED A COUPLE OF BOOKS, “HELLO, CROCHET FRIENDS.”

“GIVING BACK, CROCHET.”

HE’S PROUD OF HIS WORK AND HAS FFUNDED HIS FIRST LIBRARY IN ETHIOPIA IN A RURAL VILLAGE WHERE HE WAS BORN.

HE IS CURRENTLY RAISING MONEY — GO AHEAD.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> HE IS CRUR CRAW CURRENTLY RAY TO BUILD THOSE SAME CHILDREN A SCIENCE LAB.

ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE — ALL RIGHT.

[APPLAUSE] GOVERNOR TONY EVERS, I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT JONAH LARSON IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE WISCONSIN 2025 MLK HERITAGE AWARD.

JONAH, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

CLEAR [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> ALLOW ME TO START OFF BY >> ALLOW ME TO START OFF BY THANKING GOVERNOR EVERS AND THE MARTIN LUTHER KING HERITAGE AWARD COMMITTEE FOR THIS INCREDIBLE HONOR AND ALSO A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MY MOTHER, WHO COULDN’T BE HERE TODAY, BUT IS NEVER FAR FROM MY THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.

WHEN MI MY CROCHET WENT VIRAL SX YEARS AGO, MY PARENTS TAUGHT ME IT’S ALWAYS IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK.

WITH THE HELP OF THOUSANDS OF CROCHET FRIENDS SCATTERED ACROSS THE WORLD AND A LOCAL CHARITY THAT’S BASED RIGHT HERE IN MADISON CALLED ROOTS ETHIOPIA, WE’VE BEEN ABLE TO BUILD A LIBRARY IN MY BIRTHDAYS IN ETHIOPIA, WELLAS WELL AS A BATHROOM, BOOKS, DESKS AND NOW WE’RE DOING THAT SAME THING FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL.

SO WE’VE UPDATED IT A LITTLE BIT MORE.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> AND IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS >> AND IN ANTICIPATION OF THIS DAY, MY FATHER AND I LISTENED TO MARTIN LUTHER KING’S “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH AGAIN AND I WAS LEFT WITH SOME REALLY MEANINGFUL THOUGHTS.

I’M NOT SURE WHY THIS ONE STRUCK ME FIRST, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE TALL TO BE A GIANT.

[APPLAUSE] >> YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY STRONG TO MOVE MOUNTAINS.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE LOUD TO MAKE SOME NOISE.

AND FINALLY, AND I THINK MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE WEALTHY TO BE GENEROUS.

AND IT COSTS NOTHING TO BE KIND.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND WITH THAT SAID, CROCHET AWAY, FRIENDS.

[APPLAUSE] >> BEAUTIFUL JOB!

>> JONAH LARSON.

IS THAT ONE OF YOUR OWN IS THAT ONE OF YOUR OWN CREATIONS, THAT SWEATER YOU HAVE ON?

WELL, THE WAY YOU JUST SPOKE, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO MAKE YOURSELF A ROBE.

[LAUGHTER] >> GIVE HIM ANOTHER HAND, PLEASE.

[APPLAUSE] >> CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE >> CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE RECIPIENTS TODAY.

NOW WE’RE BACK TO SOME GOSPEL MUSIC FEATURING GMAC AND I’M SO GLAD THEY ARE HERE TODAY.

SO PLEASE SHOW YOUR LOVE AND APPRECIATION FOR NOT ONLY THEIR GIFT OF MUSIC, BUT THEIR DEDICATION TO IT.

HERE THEY ARE, GMAC.

[APPLAUSE] >> HEY, DO ME A FAVOR.

>> HEY, DO ME A FAVOR.

EVERYBODY, CLAP YOUR HANDS LIKE THIS.

COME ON.

CLAP LIKE THIS.

YOU GOTTA SMILE A LITTLE BIT.

COME ON.

LOOK AT YOUR NEIGHBOR, SAY EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND, COME ON, SAY EVERY TIME.

EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND >> HERE WE GO!

COME ON.

SAY I KNOW I DON’T DESERVE IT.

I KNOW I DON’T DESERVE IT THE LORD IS GOOD TO ME HE KEEPS HELPING ME >> CAN WE SAY THAT AGAIN?

EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND HE KEEPS BLESSING ME >> ANYBODY BLESSED IN THE BUILDING TODAY?

SHOUT.

EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND HE KEEPS BLESSING ME >> THAT’S GOOD.

COME ON.

EVERYBODY SING.

HOW THE LORD KEEPS BLESSING ME >> CAN WE TELL YOU THE NEXT PART.

THE PRAISES GO UP GOD’S BLESSINGS COME DOWN >> ANYBODY NEED A BLESSING IN HERE?

WITH THE PRAISES GO UP GOD’S BLESSINGS COME DOWN >> EVERYBODY SING I KNOW I DON’T.

I GOT TO RUN, TELL THE LORD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME BLESSING ME, BLESSING ME I’M BLESSED WHERE I GO IN THE CITY AND THE FIELD WE’RE A BLESSED PEOPLE WAVE YOUR HANDS EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND THE LORD’S BEEN GOOD HE KEEPS MAKING A WAY OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN I PRAY FOR HIS GOODNESS I PRAY EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND HE BLESSES ME HE IS REAL GOOD HE IS REAL KIND >> ANYBODY GRATEFUL TODAY?

SAY BLESSING ME I PRAY FOR HIS BLESSING EVERY TIME I TURN AROUND BLESSING ME, BLESSING ME WHOO!

[APPLAUSE] >> AMEN!

I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES TIMES AND HIS PRAISES WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN MY MOUTH I WILL GIVE THANKS TO HIM BECAUSE THE LORD HAS LIFTED ME NOT SEE AND IT’S PLAIN TO SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD BUT IF A WILL TRUST HIM, IF HE WOULD THANK THE LORD I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES AND HIS PRAISES SHALL CONTINUE TO BE IN MY MOUTH >> YEAH!

I WILL GIVE THANKS TO THEE BECAUSE THE LORD HAS LIFTED ME NOT SEE OH, SEE THAT THE LORD, HE’S GOOD TRUST HIM, IF YOU WOULD CHRIST THE LORD OH, OH, IT’S NIC TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD THE LORD IS SO GOOD TRUST HIM, EVERYONE ALLELUIA PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW OH, TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD BUT IF WE WOULD TRUST HIM, EVERYONE PRAISE THE LORD I WILL GIVE THANKS TO HIM PRAISE THE LORD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS COME OH, TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO TRUSTS HIM EVERY ONE PRAISE THE LORD I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES AND HIS PRAISES SHALL CONTINUE TO BE IN MY MOUTH PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW OOH, TA TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD HE’S THE BEST I WILL PRAISE THE LORD HE IS GOOD HE IS GOOD PRAISE THE LORD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW OH, TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD PRAISE THE LORD HE’S WALKED ME HOME BEFORE PRAISE THE LORD GUIDED ME ON MY WAY PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD I WILL, I WILL PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD LORD HAVE MERCY HIS LOVE IS FOREVER PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM FATHER, WE’LL HONOR YOU PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE HIM PRAISE HIM FOREVER AND EVER I WILL PRAISE HIM I WILL PRAISE HIM I WILL GIVE THANKS TO HIM PRAISE HIM.

PRAISE HIM.

I WILL PRAISE HIM GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD PRAISE THE LORD HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER AND EVER FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW OOOH [AUDIENCE CLAPPING TO THE BEAT OF THE MUSIC] >> YEAH!

>> YEAH!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [RECESSIONAL OF GMAC MASS CHOIR [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> YEAH.

>> YEAH.

>> YEAH!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> I’M SORRY.

SOMETHING TOUCHED ME AND I FORGOT WHERE — YOU KNOW WHAT?

ONE THING ABOUT THIS DAY HERE IN THE CAPITOL, WE DON’T HAVE TO DO ANY CODE SWITCHING.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TRYING TO TELL YOU RIGHT NOW?

WE DON’T HAVE TO DO THAT TODAY, OF ALL DAYS.

BUT I DO HAVE A PROGRAM TO GET THROUGH.

AND SOME OF Y’ALL ARE TOO HAPPY RIGHT NOW.

I JUST HAVE TO SAY THAT.

WELL, LET’S MOVE ON TO OUR GUEST SPEAKER AS WE THANK GMAC.

AND I KNOW THEY’RE GOING TO SLEEP GOOD ON THE BUS GOING HOME.

THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] OUR GUEST SPEAKER TODAY IS THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISOR, FIRST ELECTED TO THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IN 2016 AND THEN TO VICE-CHAIR OF THE BOARD IN 2018.

YOU KNOW, THEY’RE HAVING A REVIVAL OUT THERE IN THE HALLWAY AND IT’S PULLING ME.

JUST LET YOU ALL SIT HERE FOR A FEW MINUTES AND LET THINGS JUST KIND OF, AS THEY SAY, MY PASTOR, CAN I GET A WITNESS?

>> WHOO!

>> ALL RIGHT.

OUR SPEAKER WAS BORN AND RAISED IN UK MA.

SHE WORKS TO MAKE OPPORTUNITIES TO WERE GIVEN TO HER AS A YOUNG WOMAN GROWING UP IN THE 53206 ZIP CODE.

THAT’S THE ONE I GREW UP IN, ONE OF THE POOREST AND MOST INCARCERATED ZIP CODES IN OUR NATION.

SHE DESCRIBES HERSELF AS A CHAMPION FOR WORKING PEOPLE, PUBLIC EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT.

SHE’S BEEN AN ORGANIZER AND AN EDUCATOR, TO INFORM HER POLICY AS SHE DOES HER COMMUNITY WORK.

SHE’S OFFERED SEVERAL BILLS AND ONE OF THEM IS AN INCREASE OF THE LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE AND EVICTION REDUCTION PROGRAM, A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH JUNETEENTH DAY AS A MAJOR HOLIDAY AND A DECLARATION OF RACISM AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS, MAKING MILWAUKEE COUNTY THE FIRST COUNTY OR LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN THE UNITED STATES TO DO SO.

>> YES!

[APPLAUSE] >> I JUST HAVE TO SAY, YOU SOMEBODY.

>> PLEASE JOIN ME IN WELCOMING THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISOR, MARCELIA NICHOLSON.

>> YEAH!

[APPLAUSE] >> GOD IS GOOD!

>> YES!

>> YES!

ALL THE TIME.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, HOW’S EVERYONE DOING TODAY?

>> GOOD AFTERNOON.

>> I AM MARCELIA NICHOLSON, CHAIRWOMAN OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND I AM HERE TO TALK ABOUT JUSTICE.

I HOPE YOU ALL DON’T MIND IF I GIVE YOU A LITTLE SCRIPTURE TODAY.

AS THE DAUGHTER OF A DEACON AT SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN MILWAUKEE I JUST CAN’T HELP MYSELF SOMETIMES.

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., IN EVERYTHING WE DO LET’S AIM TO HAVE JUSTICE ROLL DOWN LIKE WATER AND RIGHTEOUSNESS LIKE AN EVER-FLOWING STREAM.

BEFORE I GET GOING, I’D LIKE TO THANK THE LEADER OF OUR GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN, GOVERNOR TONY EVERS AND FIRST LADY KATHY EVERS.

[APPLAUSE] HOSTING THE LONGEST-RUNNING, OFFICIAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION HERE IN THE UNITED STATES.

YOUR VISION AND LEADERSHIP IN THIS HISTORIC ANNUAL EVENT ENSURES THE LEGACY OF DR. KING LIVES ON FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

[APPLAUSE] >> YOU KNOW, OF ALL THE TITLES I’VE HELD AND I’VE ACHIEVED, MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE ONE IS THAT I AM A PROUD PRODUCT OF MILWAUKEE AND MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WE’RE IN MADISON, BUT I KNOW I’VE GOT SOME MILWAUKEE PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE.

MAKE SOME NOISE.

I SEE YOU.

GROWING UP, I LIVED IN MILWAUKEE’S 53206 ZIP CODE AND EVERYONE WHO JUST MADE SOME NOISE KNOWS ABOUT THAT ZIP CODE AND EVEN IF YOU AREN’T FROM MILWAUKEE, YOU LIKELY KNOW THAT IT’S ONE OF THE POOREST AND MOST INCARCERATED PLACES IN THE NATION.

MY STORY GROWING UP IN THAT ENVIRONMENT AND IN THE JOY AND PAIN OF THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES IS CENTRAL TO HOW I VIEW JUSTICE.

BOTH OF MY PARENTS ENDED UP IN THE GREAT STATE OF WISCONSIN BECAUSE OF THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE.

MY FATHER’S FAMILY, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS AT THE TIME, MOVED NORTH FROM ALABAMA AS A PART OF THE GREAT MIGRATION TO ESCAPE SOUTHERN RACISM AND ACHIEVE ECONOMIC MOBILITY.

DESCENDING FROM A LONG LINE OF BUFFALO SOLDIERS AND MILITARY SERVICEMEN, MY PATERNAL ANCESTORS WERE TREATED AS LESS THAN HUMAN, THEIR SERVICE OVERSHADOWED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN.

MY MOTHER’S FAMILY CAME FROM RURAL PUERTO RICO TO MILWAUKEE, THE MACHINE SHOP OF THE WORLD, IN SEARCH OF FACTORY WORK AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.

SO MY GRANDMOTHER NEVER LEARNED A WORD OF ENGLISH.

SHE UNDERSTAND THAT JUSTICE TRTRANSCENDS LANGUAGE.

THE 53026 ZIP CODE WAS NOT THE SAME AS THE ZIP CODE I GREW UP IN.

WERE FAIRLY EASY TO COME BY AND EVEN THOUGH TIMES COULD CERTAINLY BE HARD, THOSE JOBS WERE SO MANY PEOPLE’S TICKET TO SOMETHING THAT AT LEAST RESEMBLED THE AMERICAN DREAM.

THAT CHANGED BY THE TIME MY PARENTS HAD ME.

WHEN THOSE MANUFACTURING JOBS LEFT, POVERTY, INCARCERATION AND DISINVESTMENT TOOK ITS PLACE.

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP LIVING ON 12TH AND BURLEIGH, HEARING GUNSHOTS AT NIGHT WAS NOT OUT OF THE ORDINARY.

AND I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT TO DO WHEN I HEARD THOSE POPS.

I’D RUN AND I’D TAKE COVER RIGHT UNDER MY BED.

AND I WANT TO BE VERY CLEAR THAT THIS SITUATION WAS NOT THE FAULT OF MY PARENTS, WHO I AM SO GRATEFUL ARE ABLE TO JOIN ME TODAY AS MY SPECIAL GIFTS.

THE PERSISTENCE OF HERMINIA CUCUTA AND MAURICE NICHOLSON HAS ALWAYS INSPIRED ME.

THEY LIVE BY THOSE WORDS OUTLINED IN HEBREWS 10:36 THAT YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE SO THAT WHEN YOU HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, YOU WILL RECEIVE WHAT HE HAS PROMISED.

>> YOU BET.

[APPLAUSE] >> BUT LIKE SO MANY OTHERS IN NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE MINE AND ACROSS THIS COUNTRY, NO MATTER HOW HARD THEY WORKED, RACIST POLICIES AT THE FEDERAL SHES STATE AND LOCAL LEVEL ENSURED THAT THEY COULDN’T QUITE GET FURTHER AHEAD.

DR. KING UNDERSTOOD AND YOU HE COMCOMMUNICATED THIS DYNAMIC BER THAN ANYONE.

WHEN THE CONSTITUTION AND DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WAS WRITTEN, IT WAS A PROMISSORY NOTE TO WHICH EVERY AMERICAN FELL HEIR.

BUT HE ALSO NOTED THAT IT’S OBVIOUS TODAY THAT AMERICA HAS DEFAULTED ON ITS PROMISSORY NOTE AS FAR AS S CITIZENS OF COLOR AE CONCERNED.

AMERICA HAS GIVEN THE NEGRO PEOPLE A BAD CHECK.

TO THIS DAY, IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD I GREW UP IN AND SO MANY MORE LIKE IT, WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THOSE FUND TO COME IN SO WE CAN CASH OUR CHECKS LIKE OUR FELLOW AMERICANS HAVE DONE.

BUT ONE GOOD THING CAME FROM HIDING UNDER MY BED DURING THOSE GUNSHOTS.

I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MANY BOOKS I READ WHILE I WAS HIDING UNDER THERE.

IT SPARKED A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE WORLD THAT WAS CULTIVATED EVEN FURTHER AT MY SAFE PLACE, MY PUBLIC SCHOOL.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS, I WAS NURTURED BY COUNTLESS DEDICATED EDUCATORS WHO SAW MY LITTLE LIGHT AND DID EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO HELP IT SHINE TO ITS FULLEST.

DO WE HAVE ANY EDUCATORS IN THE ROOM TODAY?

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] EDUCATORS, OUR TEACHERS, OUR PRINCIPALS AND STAFF!

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> EVEN THOUGH SO MANY OF MY TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS SHAPED WHO I AM TODAY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE I SHOUT A FEW OF THEM OUT.

ONE IS MISS WHITLEY, AN EDUCATOR AT BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY WHO WOULD SCOOP UP YOUNG GIRLS LIKE MARBLES AND MADE SURE WE FELT SEEN AND CARED FOR.

THE SECOND IS MR. ALLEN FROM SAMUEL MORSE MIDDLE, THE ONLY BLACK MALE EDUCATOR IN MY MIDDLE SCHOOL CAREER WHO TAUGHT ME BLACK HISTORY AND PUSHED MY ABILITY TO THE LIMIT OFTEN WRITING ON MY PAPERS “I KNOW YOU CAN DO MORE.”

THE LAST IS MISS SMITH FROM MILWAUKEE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGES, WHO ENCOURAGED ME TO TAKE THE ACTs EVEN THOUGH I COULD NOT DREAM THAT ATTENDING COLLEGE WAS POSSIBLE FOR ME BECAUSE I WOULD BE THE FIRST IN MY FAMILY TO DO SO.

THEIR GUIDANCE AND DEDICATION TO THEIR STUDENTS’ SUCCESS INSPIRED ME TO BECOME A TEACHER AFTER I GRADUATED FROM ANOTHER GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOL, THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> YES.

I’M A PANTHER, BUT I LOVE BUCKY, TOO.

AND I APPRECIATE SO MUCH OUR INCREDIBLE UW SYSTEM.

I BECAME A 4TH GRADE TEACHER BECAUSE I WANTED TO HAVE THAT SAME EFFECT ON STUDENTS WHO GREW UP LIKE ME BECAUSE LIKE DR. KING SAID, OPPRESSED PEOPLE CANNOT REMAIN OPPRESSED FOREVER.

THE YEARNING FOR FREEDOM EVENTUALLY MANIFESTS ITSELF.

EVEN COMING FROM WHERE I CAME FROM, TEACHING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN A POOR MILWAUKEE NEIGHBORHOOD WAS A PRETTY SHOCKING EXPERIENCE, TO I SA THE LEAST.

MY FIRST BIG SURPRISE CAME WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT I WOULD NEED TO PURCHASE BASIC SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS LIKE PAPER AND POST TER BOARD OUT OF MY OWN POCKET.

AND I STILL LOVED THAT JOB, ESPECIALLY THE ANNUAL TRIP TO RIGHT HERE, THE STATE CAPITOL IN MADISON, PAYING OUT OF MY OWN POCKET FOR A SCHOOL BUS AND ORDERING A FEW BIG IAN’S PIZZAS SO MY SCHOLARS COULD HAVE A DECENT LUNCH.

IF THE CHOICE WAS BETWEEN MY STUDENTS’ SUPPLIES OR ME TAKING A LITTLE LESS HOME THAT WEEK, I CHOSE THE LATTER.

IF THE CHOICE WAS MY STUDENTS MISSING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THEIR GOVERNMENT IN ACTION OR ME TAKING A LITTLE LESS HOME THAT MONTH, I CHOSE THE LATTER, BECAUSE OUR STUDENTS ARE PRICELESS AND THOSE EXPERIENCES ARE INVALUABLE.

I KNOW MANY OF THE EDUCATORS IN THIS ROOM CAN RELATE.

WHEN I FIRST WALKED INTO MY CLASSROOM, WE HAD ABOUT TWO TABLES AND ABOUT EIGHT CHAIRS FOR A CLASS OF 36 4TH GRADERS.

BUT THE MOST SHOCKING EXPERIENCE CAME LATER IN THAT SCHOOL YEAR.

SO MANY OF MY STUDENTS HAD TROUBLE PAYING ATTENTION IN CLASS.

AT FIRST I THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST THE USUAL ROUTINE OF CHILDREN GOOFING OFF, BUT MAYBE BECAUSE OF MY BACKGROUND AND UPBRINGING I KNEW THAT IT WAS A LITTLE DEEPER THAN THAT.

ONE DAY I SAT THEM ALL DOWN AND I ASKED A SERIES OF QUESTIONS.

WHO HERE IS HUNGRY?

WHO HERE HAS A PARENT IN JAIL?

WHO HERE HAS EXPERIENCED OR WITNESSED A FORM OF VIOLENCE?

WHO HERE DOESN’T HAVE SOMEONE TO KISS THEM GOOD NIGHT?

AND ALMOST EVERY STUDENT RAISED THEIR HAND AT SOME POINT.

THIS IS WHAT THOSE OF US WHO ARE IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE ARE ALL UP AGAINST.

WE ARE FIGHTING AGAINST THE TYPE OF SYSTEMIC RACISM THAT PLACES YOUNG CHILDREN IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT NO CHILD SHOULD EVER HAVE TO EXPERIENCE.

[APPLAUSE] >> IT WASN’T JUST ME LYING UNDER MY BED WHILE GUNSHOTS WERE GOING OFF.

HUNDREDS OF CHIRP, INCLUDING THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN MY CLASS THAT AFTERNOON, ARE GOING THROUGH SIMILAR EXPERIENCES AND TOO MANY IN OUR SOCIETY ARE PERFECTLY FINE JUST IGNORING THE PROBLEM AND THE CHILDREN WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT TO THE NEXT DAY.

BECAUSE OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS WE WERE BORN IN, WE WERE CUT OFF FROM ACCESS TO THE RESOURCES THAT WOULD HAVE ALLOWED US AN EASIER PATH TO THRIVING.

AND UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME TO COME WHERE I COME FROM AND BE WHERE I AM TODAY STANDING AT THIS DAIS IN FRONT OF YOU IS THE EXCEPTION AND NOT THE RULE.

BUT MY UPBRINGING AND ALL THE THINGS I EXPERIENCED GROWING UP ARE MY SUPER POWERS, STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GREAT ONES IS MY SUPERPOWER.

IT’S DR. KING HAVING A DREAM, VEL PHILLIPS PAVING THE WAY.

IT’S PEOPLE WORKING SO HARD FOR COMMUNITIES THAT EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS AND DAILY.

IT’S CROCHETING LOVE.

IT’S BLACK WOMAN LIKE FRANCIS HUNTLEY-COOPER BECOMING THE FIRST BLACK MAYOR IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN.

[APPLAUSE] >> IT’S REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA STUBS FACING DISCRIMINATION ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL AND STILL SHOWING UP IN THE HALLS OF GOVERNMENT.

>> IT’S GIVEN ME A FOUNDATION TO USE MY UNIQUE POSITION TO MAKE AND CHANGE POLICY MY SUPERPOWER.

BUT I’LL BE CANDID WITH YOU ALL TODAY.

THIS IS EXACT THE LIFE EXPERIENCE THAT I NOW VIEW AS MY SUPERPOWER ALSO KEPT ME FROM PURSUING ELECTED OFFICE.

WHEN I WAS FIRST APPROACHED ABOUT RUNNING FOR OFFICE NINE YEARS AGO, I WAS STILL A 4TH GRADE TEACHER AND WAS ORGANIZING WITH THE LOCAL TEACHERS UNION.

DURING THOSE FIRST CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RUNNING, HOW COULD THIS POOR COLORED GIRL FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD POSSIBLY WIN AN ELECTED OFFICE?

WHAT DO YOU EVEN KNOW ABOUT BEING A COUNTY SUPERVISOR?

THEN I THOUGHT MY STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES NEEDED MORE THAN WHAT WE COULD GIVE IN ONE SCHOOL YEAR.

MAYBE POLICY, SOMETHING FOR THE LONG-TERM, WAS THE ANSWER.

AND THEN MY FELLOW COLLEAGUES AND PARENTS AT PIERCE ELEMENTARY WHERE I TAUGHT 4TH GRADE AND MY SWEET PARENTS TOLD ME THEY WOULD BE THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

AND THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO PUT THAT SELF-DOUBT ASIDE, RUN FOR OFFICE, WIN AND BECOME THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN AND LATINA TO BE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] >> SINCE THEN, I’VE USED MY SUPERPOWER AS A PERSON WHO HAS SUPERPOWER AS A PERSON WHO HAS LIVED IN POVERTY AND LIVED AMONG NEGATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES TO CENTER ON POLICY, COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCING DISPARITIES AND INJUSTICES DAILY.

AS LEGISLATORS — AND THERE ARE MANY IN THE ROOM TODAY — WE MUST AIM TO PASS LEGISLATURE THAT DR. KING WOULD CALL JUST LAW.

A JUST LAW IS A MANMADE CODE THAT SQUARES WITH THE MORAL LAW OR THE LAW OF GOD.

AN UNJUST CODE IS A LAW THAT IS OUT OF HARMONY WITH THE MORAL LAW.

WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE DISCORDANT LAWS ON THE BOOKS THAT DO NOT LIVE IN HARMONY WITH THE MORAL LAW.

THEY LED TO THE DISINVESTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE THE ONE I GREW UP IN.

THESE LAWS ENCOURAGED BANNING CERTAIN CURRICULA, AND FURTHERING THE CLIMATE CRISIS, FORCING A GREAT INJUSTICE ON FUTURE GENERATIONS.

THEY LEAD TO ONE IN 36 BLACK WISCONSINITES BEING INCARCERATED RIGHT HERE IN WISCONSIN.

AND WHEN WE MOVE AWAY FROM MORAL LAW AND UPHOLD NOISE, DISCORDANT, WE ARE ALL LEFT WITH A SYSTEM THAT PERPETUATES THE RURAL AND URBAN DIVIDE IN THIS STATE AND IT AMASSES A FORCE SO PERVASIVE THAT IT PREVENTS PEOPLE FROM RECOGNIZING THEY HAVE MORE IN COMMON THAN WHAT DIVIDES THEM.

[APPLAUSE] >> DR. KING TAUGHT US THERE WAS >> DR. KING TAUGHT US THERE WAS NO JUSTICE IN CLASSROOMS OVERCROWDED WITH HUNGRY KIDS EXPERIENCING TRAUMA AND JAILS THAT ARE FULL WHILE FACTORIES SIT EMPTY AND HOMES THAT DON’T KNOW HOW THEY’LL PAY LAST MONTH’S RENT OR BUY GROCERIES TOMORROW.

HE KNEW THERE WAS NO JUSTICE CONCENTRATING WEALTH IN THE HAND OF FEW, BUT TODAY WE SEE BILLIONAIRES GETTING RICHER WHILE THE SHARE GOING TO THE MIDDLE AND LOWER-INCOME FAMILIES GET SMALLER.

THINGS DO NOT NEED TO BE THIS WAY.

BUT AS DR. KING ONCE SAID, SOCIAL PROGRESS NEVER ROLLS IN ON THE WHEELS OF INEVITABLETY.

IT COMES THROUGH THE CERTIFICATE –PERSISTENCE OF DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS.

[APPLAUSE] BRING MILWAUKEE COUNTY IN STEP WITH THE MORAL LAW.

THE FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION I INTRODUCED AS A MILWAUKEE COUNTY SUPERVISOR WAS A JUST LAW.

IT WAS A $15 AN HOUR MINIMUM WAGE.

I WANTED TO ENSURE THAT — THANK YOU.

THAT ANYONE WORKING FOR OR WITH MILWAUKEE COUNTY HAD A LIVING WAGE SO THAT THEY COULD LIFT THEIR FAMILIES OUT OF THE CYCLE OF POVERTY THAT IS FAR TOO PREVALENT IN OUR COMMUNITY.

TO DO JUST OUR SMALL PART TO VALIDATE THAT PROMISSORY NOTE THE FOUNDERS OF THIS COMPANY MADE AND DEFAULTED ON FOR MY PEOPLE.

SINCE THEN, WE HAVE PASSED DOZENS OF LAWS IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY THAT HELPED BEND THAT LONG ARC OF HISTORY THAT DR. KING SPOKE OF TOWARDS GOVERNING FOR EQUITY.

[APPLAUSE] >> WE’VE DECLARED RACISM A PUBLIC CRISIS, THE FIRST IN THE NATION TO DO SO, DEFINING THE CENTRAL PROBLEM THAT HAS LED TO SO MANY UNJUST OUTCOMES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

WE’VE BUILT HOUSING IN BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS TO CREATE A NEW GENERATION OF BLACK HOMEOWNERS AND INVESTED FUNDS IN WISCONSIN’S FIRST AND ONLY BLACK-OWNED BANK.

NOW, THAT’S A CHECK WE CAN CASH!

[APPLAUSE] >> WE’VE ESTABLISHED THE MILWAUKEE COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE THE LITTLE LIGHTS OF OUR FUTURE CAN BRIGHTLY SHINE.

WE’VE CENTERED EQUITY FIRST AND POLICIES WE ADOPT FROM AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO PARKS FUNDING AND COUNTY CONTRACTING.

WE’VE TRAVELED THE STATE OF WISCONSIN AND MET UNLIKELY ALLIES AT THE JUSTICE TABLE TO ADVANCE OUR COLLECTIVE MISSION.

EACH PIECE OF LEGISLATION, EACH COMMUNITY EVENT AND EACH CONVERSATION AROUND THE COUNTY AND STATE IS ALL TO MAKE SURE THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE NOT DENIED JUSTICE AND THAT IT LIVES HERE.

BUT NOW THAT YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT MY SUPERPOWER, I WANT YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOURS IS.

EVERY ONE OF US HAS SOMETHING WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A JUST WORLD.

LIKE I ONCE DID, THERE MAY BE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE WHO VIEW YOUR SUPERPOWER AS A WEAKNESS INSTEAD OF THE STRENGTH IT IS.

IT MIGHT EVEN BE THAT VOICE IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD FILLING YOU WITH SELF-DOUBT.

BUT REMIND YOURSELF, YOU ARE NOT TOO EAGER.

REMEMBER, DR. KING LED THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT BY THE AGE OF 25.

YOU ARE NOT TOO YOUNG.

EVERY YEAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS LIKE ALAYA AND CHRISTOPHER STAND TO RECITE THE MOST FAMOUS SPEECH OF ALL TIME.

DAVID DEFEATED JOE GOLIATH WITHA STONE.

A YOUNG GIRL FROM 53206 CAN GROW UP AND BE INVITED TO SPEAK AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

[APPLAUSE] >> SO TAKE IT FROM ME.

IGNORE THOSE PEOPLE.

IGNORE THAT VOICE.

LISTEN TO AND TRUST YOUR SUPERPOWER.

WE NEED ALL HAND ON DECK FOR OUR COMMUNITIES AND FOR OUR WORLD.

WE KNOW FROM DR. KING THAT JUSTICE TOO LONG DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED.

[APPLAUSE] >> AND REMEMBER, THERE ISN’T A SINGLE LAW WE CAN PASS THAT WILL SUDDENLY CREATE A PERFECT WORLD.

JUSTICE LIVES HERE WHEN WE USE OUR UNIQUE STRENGTH TO CHALLENGE SYSTEMS AND MOVE TOWARD INCLUSION, WHEN WE SHOW UP FOR OUR NEIGHBORS, WHEN WE TAKE ACTION NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL.

AS DR. KING SAID, BE A BUSH IF YOU CAN’T BE A TREE.

IF YOU CAN’T BE A HIGHWAY, BE A TRAIL.

IF YOU CAN’T BE A SUN, BE A STAR, FOR IT ISN’T BY SIZE THAT YOU WIN OR FAIL.

BE THE BEST OF WHATEVER YOU ARE.

LOOK AROUND YOU.

EACH PERSON HERE IS A PART OF THIS COLLECTIVE MOVEMENT AND MOVEMENTS TRULY SHINE WHEN WE INVITE ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE TO THE TABLE, JUST LIKE A CHURCH POTLUCK.

WHETHER YOU ARE AN EDUCATOR, A LEGISLATOR, A COMMUNITY LEADER OR A STUDENT, WHETHER YOU ARE BLACK, WHITE, BROWN, WHETHER YOU ARE A FARMER BOY OR CITY GIRL, JUSTICE LIVES HERE BECAUSE YOU ARE HERE.

WE WANT JUSTICE TO LIVE IN THE CITY SO LITTLE GIRLS DON’T HAVE TO LEARN TO HIDE UNDER THEIR BEDS.

WE WANT JUSTICE TO LIVE ON A SMALL FARM THAT HAS NOURISHED OUR COMMUNITY FOR GENERATIONS.

WE WANT JUSTICE TO LIVE IN OUR CRIMINAL SYSTEM SO WE DON’T LOSE ANOTHER GENERATION OF BLACK MEN TO MASS INCARCERATION.

[APPLAUSE] >> WE WANT JUSTICE TO LIVE IN THE DIG DIGNITY OF AN HONEST DAS PAY FOR AN HONEST DAY’S WORK, N A SOCIETY WHERE WE CARE FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE.

SO I ASK YOU, HOW WILL YOU CARRY JUSTICE WITH YOU TODAY, TOMORROW AND EVERY DAY?

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO ENSURE THAT THE PROMISE OF JUSTICE IS NOT JUST AN IDEA, BUT A REALITY?

REMEMBER, JUSTICE DOES NOT WAIT.

IT LIVES, IT’S ACTED UPON AND PASSED ON THROUGH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US.

LET’S KEEP DR. KING’S DREAM ALIVE AS A LIVING, BREATHING FORCE.

TOGETHER, JUSTICE LIVES HERE AND TOGETHER IT GROWS STR STRONGER, REACHES FARTHER AND THRIVES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.

THANK YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> YOU KNOW, WE HAVE A SAYING WHEN I WAS GROWING UP WHEN SOMEBODY WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL.

WE WOULD LOOK AT THEM AND SAY “I’M CA SCARED OF YOU.”

&[LAUGHTER SCWHRRKS >> ALL RIGHT.

THIS IS A SPECIAL MOMENT BECAUSE EACH YEAR AT THIS TIME WE TAKE A MOMENT TO INVITE A STUDENT TO READ A PORTION OF DR. KING’S DREAM SPEECH.

AND AS I SEE SOMEONE COMING, WHICH IS HOPEFULLY THE CUE — I’M SORRY.

WHO ARE YOU?

>> I’M ALAYA MCMILLEN.

>> YOU’RE ALAYA MCMILLEN.

AND WHY ARE YOU HERE WITH THAT MICROPHONE?

>> I’M HERE TO INTRODUCE THE SPEAKER FOR MLK DAY TODAY.

>> THE STUDENT SPEAKER.

>> YES.

>> WERE YOU LAST YEAR’S SPEAKER?

>> YES, I WAS.

[APPLAUSE] >> WELL, YOU KNOW, I NORMALLY DO THIS, BUT YOU WANT TO DO IT YOURSELF?

[LAUGHTER] >> WELL, I KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME.

SPEAKER, IF YOU WOULD.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS ALAYA MCMILLEN.

I AM THE 2024 STUDENT PRESENTATION, PRESENTER, I BAD.

DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT.

DON’T JUDGE ME.

ALL RIGHT.

OF DR. KING’S “DREAM” SPEECH EXCERPT.

I’M PLEASED TO INTRODUCE THIS YEAR’S PRESENTER.

I HATE WORDS.

CHRISTOPHER JONES, A 6TH GRADER WITH BIG DREAMS.

HIS FAVORITE SUBJECTS ARE MATH AND SOCIAL STUDIES.

CHRISTOPHER ENJOYS PLAYING THE PIANO, FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL.

DURING HIS DOWN TIME, CHRISTOPHER HELPS HIS MOTHER WITH CO-CREATING PERSONALIZED CHILDREN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS.

PLEASE WELCOME CHRISTOPHER JONES.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] SO EVEN THOUGH WE FACE THE SO EVEN THOUGH WE FACE THE DIFFICULTIES OF TODAY AND TOMORROW, I STILL HAVE A DREAM.

IT IS A DREAM DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE AMERICAN DREAM.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY THIS NATION WILL RISE UP AND LIVE OUT THE TRUE MEANING OF ITS CREED: WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY ON THE RED HILLS OF GEORGIA, THE SONS OF FORMER SLAVES AND THE SONS OF FORMER SLAVE OWNERS WILL BE ABLE TO SIT DOWN TOGETHER AT THE TABLE OF BROTHERHOOD.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY EVEN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, A STATE SWELTERING WITH THE HEAT OF INJUSTICE, SWELTERING WITH THE HEAT OF OPPRESSION WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO AN OASIS OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE.

I HAVE A DREAM TODAY.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT MY FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN WILL ONE DAY LIVE IN A NATION WHERE THEY WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY DOWN IN ALABAMA WITH ITS VICIOUS RACISTS, WITH ITS GOVERNOR HAVING HIS LIPS DRIPPING WITH THE WORDS OF INTERPOSITION AND NULLIFICATION, ONE DAY RIGHT DOWN IN ALABAMA LITTLE BLACK BOYS AND BLACK GIRLS WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN HANDS WITH LITTLE WHITE BOYS AND WHITE GIRLS AS SISTERS AND BROTHERS.

I HAVE A DREAM TODAY.

I HAVE A DREAM THAT ONE DAY EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE EXALTED, EVERY HILL AND MOUNTAIN SHALL BE MADE LOW, THE ROUGH PLACES WILL BE MADE PLAIN, AND THE CROOKED PLACES WILL BE MADE STRAIGHT.

AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL BE REVEALED, AND ALL FLESH SHALL SEE IT TOGETHER.

THIS IS OUR HOPE.

THIS IS THE FAITH THAT I GO BACK TO THE SOUTH WITH.

WITH THIS FAITH, WE WILL BE ABLE TO HEW OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF DESPAIR A STONE OF HOPE.

WITH THIS FAITH WE WILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFORM THE JANGLING DISCORDS OF OUR NATION INTO A BEAUTIFUL SYMPHONY OF BROTHERHOOD.

WITH THIS FAITH WE WILL BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER, TO PRAY TOGETHER, TO STRUGGLE TOGETHER, TO GO TO JAIL TOGETHER, TO STAND UP FOR FREEDOM TOGETHER, KNOWING THAT WE WILL BE FREE ONE DAY.

THIS WILL BE THE DAY WHEN ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN WILL BE ABLE TO SING WITH NEW MEANING: MY COUNTRY, ‘TIS OF THEE, SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY, OF THEE I SING.

LAND WHERE MY FATHERS DIED, LAND OF THE PILGRIMS’ PRIDE, FROM EVERY MOUNTAINSIDE, LET FREEDOM AND IF AMERICA IS TO BE A GREAT NATION, THIS MUST BECOME TRUE.

AND SO LET FREEDOM RING FROM THE PRODIGIOUS HILLTOPS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.

LET FREEDOM RING FROM THE MIGHTY LET FREEDOM RING FROM THE HEIGHTENING ALLEGHENIES OF PENNSYLVANIA.

LET FREEDOM RING FROM THE SNOWCAPPED ROCKIES OF COLORADO.

LET FREEDOM RING FROM THE CURVACEOUS SLOPES OF CALIFORNIA.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT, LET FREEDOM RING FROM STONE MOUNTAIN OF GEORGIA.

LET FREEDOM RING FROM LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN OF TENNESSEE.

LET FREEDOM RING FROM EVERY HILL AND MOLEHILL OF MISSISSIPPI.

FROM EVERY MOUNTAINSIDE, LET FREEDOM RING.

AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS, AND WHEN WE ALLOW FREEDOM TO RING, WHEN WE LET IT RING FROM EVERY VILLAGE AND EVERY HAMLET, FROM EVERY STATE AND EVERY CITY, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SPEED UP THAT DAY WHEN ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN, BLACK MEN AND WHITE MEN, JEWS AND GENTILES, PROTESTANTS AND CATHOLICS, WILL BE ABLE TO JOIN HANDS AND SING IN THE WORDS OF THE OLD NEGRO SPIRITUAL: FREE AT LAST.

FREE AT LAST.

THANK GOD ALMIGHTY, WE ARE FREE AT LAST.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] [STANDING OVATION] >> COME ON, CHRISTOPHER.

COME ON BACK HERE.

>> YOU REALLY SCARE ME.

[LAUGHTER] [LAUGHTER] >> ANOTHER GOVERNOR WOULD LIKE TO SHAKE YOUR HAND.

HE’S RIGHT THERE.

WOULD YOU SAY HI?

>> YEAH!

[APPLAUSE] >> I KNOW YOUR PARENTS ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU.

PROUD OF YOU.

YOUR CHURCH FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

AND I KNOW YOU’RE GONNA GET A REALLY EXPENSIVE GIFT FROM YOUR PARENTS FOR TODAY.

JUST MY THOUGHT.

I’M JUST THROWING IT OUT THERE.

WELL, IT’S TIME TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE THIS PROGRAM POSSIBLE.

DR. EVERS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF SUPPORT.

APPRECIATE YOU.

[APPLAUSE] >> KATHY.

>> AND SO NOW WE DEPART.

BUT I HOPE WE WILL BE UNYIELDING IN OUR DEDICATION TO SERVING OTHERS, BECAUSE THAT’S THE WHOLE SPIRIT OF THIS: PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER, LIKE DR. ANU EBBE.

STAND, IF YOU WOULD, WHO PUT TOGETHER THE DANCES TODAY.

[APPLAUSE] >> THERE’S SO MANY AROUND THIS ROOM, AND IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW, IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE TO PUT ON A PROGRAM LIKE THIS, AND THEY BELIEVE IN WHAT THEY’RE DOING.

AND I’M HUMBLE.

I’M GRATEFUL FOR THEIR DEDICATION.

AND THOUGH THEY SANG THE SONG A LITTLE EARLIER, I WOULD LIKE US TO JUST DO AN OLD-TIME VERSION OF “WE SHALL OVERCOME.”

IF YOU WOULD JUST STAND WITH ME AND SING A COUPLE OF VERSES WITH GMAC.

>> YEAH!

WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY OH, DEEP IN MY HEART I DO BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL OVERCOME SOMEDAY >> I’D LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING OUT TODAY, BRAVING THE WEATHER.

AND TO EVERYONE HERE, OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR, ALL THE PERFORMERS, PLEASE SAY HI TO SOMEONE AS YOU DEPART, AS GMAC TAKES US OUT.

THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD WEEK AND MAY IT BE FILLED WITH PEACE AND HARMONY.

SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT JESUS SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT JESUS SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL HE’S A WONDERFUL COUNSELOR SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL HE’S A WONDERFUL COUNSELOR SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT JESUS SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT JESUS SO MANY WONDERFUL THINGS ABOUT HIM [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]