'A day on and not a day off:' Honoring Dr. King on MLK Day through service and education in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Various organizations are offering service and education opportunities to honor the life, work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 16.

Here are some of the events:

Wisconsin Black Historical Society

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society (2620 W. Center St.) is hosting a guided tour and lecture on Dr. King's local impact followed by a screening of a film looking at King's broader impact. Leaders of the organization said history is an important way to honor King's legacy on the day of service.

"Part of that acting through that service is educating yourself," executive director Clayborn Benson told CBS 58.

The guided tour is $10 per person while the screening of the film is free and open to the public. Benson said he hopes Monday's events are a launch pad for people to educate themselves on Black history around the year.

"What we hope to do is to share and educate people about the significance of African Americans and what they had to go through to make quality of life for their decedents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin," Benson said.

More information can be found below: 

Milwaukee Public Library

The Milwaukee Public Library's Martin Luther King Branch is hosting a full day of programming aimed at engaging young people in the community.

"A lot of our programs are going to involve some of Dr. King's tenants and his message, just a way to pass down his legacy to young people," librarian Joy Zanders said in an interview.

The programming begins with a creation of a community tree mural followed by other activities. In the afternoon, a full slate of performances will feature singing, poetry and more.

"On this day, we're going to support them by having them perform, and showing up and really encouraging them," Zanders said.

More information can be found HERE. 

Kids Impact Community

Kids Impact Community is hosting a day of service to involve children in honoring King's legacy.

"For me, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day on and not a day off," Erin LeMoine, the VP of the Leadership Team at Kids Impact Community told CBS 58.

The organization will start the day with a virtual National Day of Service kickoff event followed by an event in the afternoon where youth will help youth by packing a duffel bag for other children in foster care.

"We also hope to be cultivating the volunteers of making it part of family life part of the routine," LeMoine said. "So, every MLK day we've had returning families that are coming year after year to volunteer with us and it's great."

More information can be found HERE. 

Five Points Neighborhood Association

Five Points Neighborhood Association is hosting an Art on a Jar event where they'll aim to complete 3,000 art glass projects to gift to seniors, people with disabilities and veterans.

"This intergenerational project can actually let them know we appreciate their sacrifice, their giving of their lives and we're standing on their shoulders to achieve what they have been working for in life," Sy Smith of the 5 Points Neighborhood Associations said.

More information can be found HERE.