From Africasong and Dr. Jonathan Overby

In an earnest attempt to ensure that any potential danger, risks, or problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic are avoided, Wisconsin's 42nd official state tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., scheduled for Monday, January 17, 2022, WILL NOT TAKE PLACE at the Capitol Rotunda in Madison, Wisconsin.

This has been a difficult decision to make. However, out of an abundance of caution, it was determined this was the most responsible way to protect the public, the MLK production staff, dais guests, and the program participants.

The State of Wisconsin has honored the legacy of Dr. King for more than four decades and will continue to do so in 2023. 

Dr. Jonathan Overby, who serves as the event's executive producer and emcee, says, "the cancelation of Wisconsin's 2022 Tribute and Ceremony honoring Dr. King need not diminish our individual commitment to treating each other with kindness, dignity, and fairness, especially during these challenging times.”

Special Programs to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wisconsin Public Radio 

Madison, Wis. - Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will  celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on its stations and at wpr.org with two special programs on Jan. 17. Because this year's live event in the State Capitol was cancelled due to COVID-19, WPR will rebroadcast the 2121 program at noon to remember and honor the civil rights leader.

"The cancelation of Wisconsin's 2022 Tribute and Ceremony honoring Dr. King need not diminish our individual commitment to treating each other with kindness, dignity, and fairness, especially during these challenging times,” Executive Producer Dr. Jonathan Øverby said. Overby, who also produces and hosts “The Road to Higher Ground” on WPR, hosts this special program.

Under the theme "Together As One," the program features excerpts from author Michelle Alexander's original speech at the 32nd Annual Tribute in 2011. Alexander is the author of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.”

The program also includes performances by Chicago's GMAC Mass Choir and Milwaukee's Latino Strings and introduces recipients of the MLK Heritage Award.  The official MLK State Proclamation will be presented by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

At 8 p.m. WPR and PBS Wisconsin will offer a special broadcast of “Why Race Matters,” produced and hosted by Angela Fitzgerald of PBS Wisconsin’s “Wisconsin Life.” “Why Race Matters” elevates issues of importance affecting Wisconsin’s Black communities. Fitzgerald connects in conversation with everyday people whose work and commitments center on race, identity, and achieving racial equity in the state.