"The importance of giving back:" Martin Luther King Library celebrates MLK Day

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Monday, January 19th was a day off school and work for Jasmine Johnson and her seven-year-old son Jeremiah, but they didn't use it as a day of rest. Instead, they tried to follow in the footsteps of a man who changed the world we live in.

"My parents raised all of their children for -- to whom much is given, much is expected and being able to carry that down to my son, to really show him the importance of giving back," Jasmine Johnson said.

The mother-son team spent the day volunteering at the Martin Luther King Library for its MLK Day Celebration.

"We can give back to one another and we can finish what he did," Jeremiah Johnson said.

The library had a day full of events honoring Dr. King -- starting with blood pressure screenings to promote the importance of health.

The celebration also included a series of performances, including one from the Imani Dance Team.

The meaning of their dance identifies with MLK's perseverance.

"Life might not be what you want it to be sometimes, but just find the faith and the energy from within to get up and get involved in life," said Imani Dance Team Director Jennifer Thomas.

Everyone attending the event was invited to help paint a community mural. Even Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett stopped by to help out.

"It's a reminder of the importance of his life, but more importantly, it's a reminder of what we need to do to emulate what he did for this country," said Mayor Barrett.

The mural represents Dr. King sending his message of peace through doves who fly to children, a message Jasmine Johnson plans to continue teaching to her son.

The community mural will be put on display at the Martin Luther King Library.

Meanwhile, Governor Scott Walker was joined by community and state leaders, as well as citizens of Wisconsin in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, celebrating his life and the lasting impact of his peaceful and courageous actions.

“Today, we celebrate a man who inspired a nation and called upon leaders to affect change.  Though he faced animosity for his beliefs, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. refused to abandon his ideals and fought for freedom and tolerance.  His legacy continues to live on, and our nation is stronger and more unified thanks to his determination and efforts.  Dr. Martin Luther King once said that darkness doesn't drive out darkness, light does. And hatred doesn't drive out hatred, love does.  Let that love unite us - here in Wisconsin, across the country, and around the world," Governor Walker said.

Governor Walker attended two events commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his endeavors to achieve civil rights.  The first event was the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast Monday morning, which was hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, followed by the 35th annual state of Wisconsin tribute and ceremony celebrating Dr. King’s life Monday afternoon.



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