Milwaukee, Atlanta the only cities to have celebrated Dr. MLK Jr.'s birthday annually since 1984

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- "We have a great deal of positive work to do." Those are the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the theme for Milwaukee's celebration of King's birthday. MLK was born on January 15th, and his birthday is celebrated on the third Monday in January each year. Milwaukee and Atlanta, Georgia are the only cities to have celebrated Dr. King's birthday each year since 1984. The annual celebration in Milwaukee features a variety of multi-cultural artists, but even as the talents vary, performers share something similar backstage.

"No matter how many times we do it, I think there is always a rush. You know you have to give it your all," Angelica Escamilla said.

The moments before a performance are spent backstage. It's a place of final run-throughs, pointers and pep talks.

Among the performers, everything is out in the open, including pride.

"Continuing a strong force with culture, with tradition, with community," Escamilla said.

Escamilla and her "folklorico" dancers performed at the Marcus Center Sunday, January 18th -- their fourth time taking part in the event.

"You're portraying what you're proud of and this is our culture and we are proud to say we are representing traditional Aztec dancing," Escamilla said.

Students from across the Milwaukee area were honored for interpreting MLK's words through art, speech and writing. High school student Marissa Robertson recited her first place essay -- and six-year-old Paul Johnston his.

"Somehow we believed the war was over. We were wrong. This is not a fight between whites and blacks but a fight for equality and fundamental human rights," Robertson said.

"It means loving everybody with their actions," Johnston said.

"If he hadn't done the work that he did a lot of my friends wouldn't be able to expresss themselves in the way that they can now with their artwork," Milwaukee School of Languages student Hayley Servant said.

It's a salute to a man who wanted equality for all.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 30th annual MLK birthday celebration at the Marcus Center.