The Madison/Dane County King Coalition has announced that the 32nd Annual City of Madison & Dane County observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday will feature author, educator, and historian Dr. Mary Frances Berry.
Dr. Berry challenges and inspires everyone to stand up, stand tall and to never give up the fight. For over four decades, Dr. Berry has been a leader in social justice movements. She served over the course of four presidential administrations as chairperson of the United States Civil Rights Commission. She is the first woman of any race to head a major research university. Dr. Berry was instrumental in raising global awareness and helping to end over 40 years of apartheid. Her most recent book, Power in Words: The Stories behind Barack Obama’s Speeches, from the State House to the White House, offers insight and historical context of President Obama’s most memorable speeches.
The City-County Observance will take place on Monday, Jan. 16, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison. This year’s observance continues the popular tradition of kicking-off with a “Freedom Songs Sing-in” from 5-5:30 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Overture Center. The City-County Observance will then take place beginning at 6 p.m. in the Overture Center’s Capitol Theater. The observance will also feature presentation of the Madison-Dane County Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award by Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Madison Mayor Paul Soglin.
