The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Celebration marks its 31st anniversary, bringing hundreds of community members together at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to honor Dr. King’s legacy and champion the ideals of equity, justice, and unity.
Organized by the Brown County MLK Celebration Committee, and hosted in partnership with NWTC, this year’s event will take place January 17, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
The 2026 theme, "Dare to Dream: The Power of Hope and Action," emphasizes that while hope fuels possibility, progress happens when communities come together and act. It challenges us to continue advancing Dr. King’s ideals - equity, justice, and unity - through both vision and collective effort.
“Each year, this celebration reminds us that Dr. King’s vision is not just history—it’s a living call to action,” said Christine Bekyir, chair of the MLK Celebration Committee and executive assistant at NWTC. “As we mark the 31st year, we honor a legacy that challenges us to move beyond reflection and toward meaningful change. This event continues to unite our community, strengthening our shared hope and deepening our commitment to justice, equity, and the beloved community Dr. King dreamed of.”
Youth and community engagement remain central to the celebration, from the K–12 creative contest to performances by school choirs and cultural groups. Over the years, the event has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and prizes, uplifting students as they explore Dr. King’s message in their own way.
“This celebration continues to thrive because our community believes in the promise of what’s ahead,” says Ingrid Parker-Hill, MLK Celebration Committee member and Director of Engagement at GBAPS. “Dr. King’s teachings remind us that true change demands both compassion and commitment. Our students reflect this beautifully through their inspiring performances and contest submissions.”
What to know about the 2026 MLK Celebration:
When: Saturday, January 17, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 2740 W. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54303 (Please enter through Door #9, Main Entrance and Student Center.)
Program Highlights:
- Annual K-12 contest
- Awards recognizing influential teachers and community leaders
- Cultural performances
- Light cuisine
- And more!
The Brown County MLK Celebration Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of the local community and beyond. The committee consists of members from diverse cultural backgrounds and representing businesses and organizations across the region - including longstanding partners like NWTC.
The community sponsors of the 2026 celebration include: Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Schreiber, Target, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Wisconsin Public Service Foundation.
For more information and to stay updated with the details of the event, visit browncomlk.org
