“Remember, there isn’t a single law we can pass that will suddenly create a perfect world. Justice lives here when we use our unique strengths to challenge systems and move towards inclusion and equity, when we show up for our neighbors, when we take action, no matter how big or small,” said Marcelia N. Nicholson, the chair of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.
Nicholson, the first Black woman and Latina elected as chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, was the guest speaker on Monday afternoon at the 45th annual State of Wisconsin Tribute & Ceremony honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda.
“Movements truly shine when we invite all types of people to the table, just like a church potluck, whether you’re an educator, a legislator, a community leader or a student … whether you are Black, white, brown, whether you are a farmer boy or a city girl … justice lives here because you are here,” Nicholson told the crowd. “We want justice to live in a city so little girls don’t have to learn to hide under their beds when they hear gunshots. We want justice to live on a small farm that has nourished our communities for generations. We want justice to live in our criminal justice system so we don’t lose another generation of black men to mass incarceration.
“We want justice to live in the dignity of an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. We want justice to live in health care for all in a society where we care for our most vulnerable,” she added. “Remember, justice does not wait. It’s live. It’s acted upon, and it’s passed forward through every single one of us. Let’s keep Dr King’s dream alive, not just as a legacy, but as a living, breathing force. Together, justice lives here and together, it grows stronger, reaches farther and thrives for generations to come.”
Community members braved sub-zero temperatures to converge at the Wisconsin State Capitol building for the oldest official state ceremony in the nation dedicated to Martin Luther King. The theme of this year’s Tribute was “Justice Lives Here” and included music and dance performances by Gospel Music According to Chicago Mass Choir and the MLK Multi-Cultural Dance Collective.
This free event is annually produced and directed by Wisconsin Public Radio’s Dr. Jonathan Øverby. It was started in 1981 by then-governor Republican Lee Sherman Dreyfus and has been continued by every governor since.
This year’s event opened with a performance by violinist Dr. Lawren Brianna Ware and pianist Becca May Grant. Gov. Tony Evers then delivered the state proclamation.
“Today, we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy in the United States and across the world. Throughout his life, Dr. King fought for equal rights of all people having a profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement and the trajectory of our nation,” Evers said. “And as we celebrate what would have been Dr. King’s 96th birthday, we are reminded that just as Dr. King’s vision for a future has endured the more than five decades since its passing, so has his role in inspiring generations of future leaders.
(Photo by David Dahmer)
“This year’s theme gives us all an opportunity to reflect on how Wisconsinites can work together to bridge the gaps that divide us as we work to go forward to deliver on the promise of justice,” Evers added. “Today, we are reinvigorated to continue our pursuit of justice, fairness, equity and the inclusion of all people in our efforts to build the future we want to see for our state in our country.”
Evers added that he remains “committed to being a partner in this work today and the years ahead.”
“As we look forward to 2025, I look forward to continuing our work together to build the sort of future we’d love to see for our state and our country, a future where justice and generosity are celebrated, and where every family and community, no matter what their zip code, can build health and wealth and thrive, just as Dr. King believed we could do so,” Evers said.
Evers officially presented the state proclamation to Dr. Jonathan Øverby who once again produced, directed, and hosted the longest-running state celebration of Dr. King’s legacy and offered up his own opening remarks at the event.
(Photo by David Dahmer)
The 2025 MLK Heritage Awards were presented to Tamarra Coleman, the executive director of Shalom Center, the only homeless shelter, largest food pantry, and longest-running nightly meal program for Kenosha County residents; Charles Tubbs, Sr., currently the director of Dane County Emergency Management; and Jonah Larson, a 12-year-old crochet prodigy from La Crosse, Wis.
