Milwaukee honors Dr. King
Once called the Selma of the North, Milwaukee has become infamous for city-wide segregation that spans decades. Racial discord is no stranger to our streets, but for one day each year, we do our best to put aside our differences to honor one man who saw beyond the color line. While many jump to point out our city’s faults, some fail to realize that Cream City is host to one of the longest running celebrations of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the country — a celebration consistently observed for 28 years.
People from all backgrounds came together on Sunday afternoon at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts to honor the legacy of Dr. King. People filled seats and the stage with moving, colorful displays of cultural performance, including dance, theatre, musical performances and speeches.
At times, we were moved to tears. At other times, we swelled with pride in remembrance of Milwaukee’s civil rights legacy. There was so much talent, passion, and history represented on stage. Congresswoman Gwen Moore said it best, “(MLK Day) isn’t a day off, it’s a day on.”
Kindergartners to twelfth-graders submitted speeches and works of art expressing their take on the 2012 theme, “Maintaining Faith In the Future,” chosen to inspire youth to consider their roles as change-makers. From the mouths of babes, shouts for dedication, hard work and respect filled the auditorium. The speeches delivered were humorous, poignant and powerful. Young men and women pleaded with the audience to support not only their own futures, but the future of the community as a whole.
Timothy Leplae-Arthur, first place in the 7th and 8th grade category, delivered a righteous sermon that made us wonder when he will become a preacher or politician. Standing on a platform in a well-starched suit, he demanded that we continue to have hope for his and coming generations.
Peppered throughout the program, a diverse collection of performers paid respect to their cultural heritage. The event opened with traditional drumming and dance by the Bear Clan Singers and Drummers of the Oneida Nation. Latino Arts‘ Mariachi Juvenil blew the crowd away with their impeccable mariachi performance. Young violinists flanked guitarists, cellists, and hand percussionists to deliver three flawless compositions. The conductor beamed as she expressed her gratitude for inviting the group to participate.
Each group that performed was the result of intergenerational cooperation that sprung from adult mentoring and faith in the young people working with them. With this support, each child was able to see their own potential, which they in turn shared with the audience. Each performance brought with it a well of emotion, unspoken promises of greatness.
“We Are The Drum,” the story of Milwaukee’s own civil rights battle was another highlight, particularly as players narrated the experience of the marches across the 16th Street viaduct. A reenactment of Milwaukee’s long battle for civil rights moved the audience into a frenzy of applause as Vel Phillips, former member of the common council who fought to end redlining took the stage. A few of the original marchers then took the stage, including civil rights activist, freedom rider and widow to Father Groppi, Peggy Rozga. How miraculous that two seemingly ordinary women of different races were once the heart, fuel and fire of a movement that will forever be etched in the streets of our city.
The drum was a powerful presence throughout the day, featured in many different cultural contexts, but always central to the performance. The Ballet Folklorico Nacional brought the pride and beauty of Mesoamerica to the stage with Aztec-inspired drumming and ritual dance. Brilliant plumes of feathers danced as the powerful young women shook, shimmied and stomped with grace and strength.
In step with our MLK Day celebrations, Milwaukee’s Postmaster General unveiled the 34th stamp commemorating African American history. The forever stamp depicting congresswoman Barbara Jordan will join the legacy of other black icons, including politicians, artists, writers, and scientists.
For the first time in a long time, people weren’t focusing on our city’s weaknesses, but its strengths. There were no troubled youth in the auditorium, only the young ladies and gentlemen that one can only hope will remain in this city long enough to make a change. When children can roar the truth of our despair, yet pledge their energy to make way for the future, it’s something for all adults — regardless of race, religion, or class — to recognize.
