The King Coalition announced Tuesday that Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, will be the keynote speaker for the 37th Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day observance on Monday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.
An award-winning author, educator and producer, Shabazz has authored five historical novels and has served as project advisor for the PBS award-winning film, “Prince Among Slaves” documentary. She is also the co-chairperson of the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.
“In her work to preserve the legacy of her parents, she has dedicated herself to institution building and intergenerational leadership development with the tenants of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the King Coalition said in a statement.
The annual Madison/Dane County MLK Observance will also include the presentation of the MLK Humanitarian Award by Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. Noted musician Leotha Stanley will again lead the MLK Community Choir.
The King Coalition was established in the fall of 1985 as a community group to plan the official City of Madison and Dane County observances of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. The Coalition brings people from all walks of life together in the spirit of true brotherhood and sisterhood to commemorate the life and accomplishments of this renowned leader of the civil rights movement. King Coalition events encourage the people of Dane County to reaffirm their commitment to building a just community out of our racial, religious and economic diversity.
For more information about the King Coalition and all of their MLK holiday events, click here.
