PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special live broadcast of the 46th annual State of Wisconsin Tribute & Ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King from the State Capitol in Madison on Monday, Jan. 19, at noon.
This year’s theme is “The Power of Unity.” The event will air and stream live on The Wisconsin Channel, or PBS Wisconsin-2, and at pbswisconsin.org. The program will be rebroadcast at 8 p.m. on The Wisconsin Channel. It will also air live at noon on WPR Music and wpr.org and be rebroadcast at 7 p.m. on WPR News and wpr.org.
Hosted by WPR’s Dr. Jonathan Øverby, Wisconsin’s event is the oldest official state celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. This year’s theme is “The Power of Unity.” Featured participants include Chicago’s Victory Travelers gospel group, violinist Dr. Lawren Brianna Ware, pianist George Ramey, Wisconsin Poet Laureate Brenda Cárdenas and the presentation of the 2026 MLK Heritage Awards. Journalist Ahmed Baba will give the keynote address.
