The King Coalition was established in the fall of 1985 as a community group to plan the official City of Madison and Dane County observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The planning of this holiday celebration takes on special significance as people from all walks of life gather in the spirit of true brotherhood and sisterhood to commemorate the life and accomplishments of this renowned leader of the Civil Rights movement.

The 39th annual Madison-Dane County MLK Day Observance will take place on Monday, January 15 at the Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison. There will be a freedom song sing-in from 5:15-5:45 PM and the program will run from 6:00-7:30 PM. The King Coalition is excited welcome Terrence Roberts to Madison. Terrence Roberts made history as one of the “Little Rock Nine.” He attended segregated elementary, junior, and high schools until 1957, when he volunteered to help desegregate Little Rock Central High School.

The annual observance also includes presentation of the MLK Humanitarian Award by City of Madison Mayor, Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. Noted musician Leotha Stanley will again lead the MLK Community Choir. 

Other King Coalition Events include: The MLK Free Community Dinner on Friday, January 12, MLK Ecumenical Service on Sunday, January 14 and the MLK Youth Call to Service on Monday, January 15. 

Your donation will help to fund this and other MLK Day observances. We will also be directing half of all proceeds to critical community service and racial justice needs by donating several organizations.