Today, WORT will feature two special live broadcasts honoring the life and work of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
At noon, we will simulcast the State of Wisconsin ceremony at the Capitol, hosted by Dr. Jonathan Overby. Wisconsin’s annual ceremony is the oldest in the nation. Wisconsin held its first ceremony honoring Dr. King in 1980, three years before the federal government recognized the day as a holiday and many years before other states would follow suit.
The featured speaker will be author and entrepreneur Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter, with music from the Kenosha Tremper High School Wind Ensemble and Kingdom Records recording artists, The Brown Sisters of Chicago.
At 6pm, we will broadcast the City of Madison & Dane County ceremony live from the Overture Center for the Performing Arts.
Tonight’s event will feature author, educator, and historian Dr. Mary Frances Berry as the keynote speaker. Dr. Berry is a Professor of American Social Thought and History at the University of Pennsylvania and served as the Chair of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission for four Presidential administrations. There will also be performances from the MLK Community Choir and the presentation of the Madison-Dane County Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award.