YMCA hosts 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

On Monday, January 16, 2023, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee and Aurora Health Care hosted their “26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration,” at the Potawatomi Casino and Hotel, 1721 W Canal St. The event cerebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by recognizing community organizations that are dedicated to serving others and empowering local youth to let their voices be heard. Among those groups honored this year were STRYV365 who received the Healthy Living Award presented by Froedtert Health; Northcott Neighborhood House who received the Social Responsibility Award presented by GE Healthcare; and three Youth Development Spoken Word Contest winners, which was presented by Northwestern Mutual, Christopher Kaiser, Heritage Christian School; James Kelly, Jr., Milwaukee College Prep-Lloyd Street; and Cornel Penager Davidson, Wedgewood Park International School. Speakers included Centers for Independence Sr. Director of Diversity and Cultural Competence Al Hill, Jr.; YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee President and CEO Carrie Wall; Potawatomi Casinos and Hotels CEO Dominic Ortiz; Aurora Health Care COO Bill Santulli; Milwwaukee County Executive David Crowley; Governor Tony Evers; Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson; and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. Other sponsors included Northwestern Mutual; Potawatomi Hotel & Casino; Froedtert & the Medical College of WI; GE Healthcare; Jammin’98.3 FM; BMO Harris; Children’s Hospital WI; Foley & Lardner, LLP; Generac; Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin; Kohler; Milwaukee Brewers; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Ascension WI; CG Schmidt; Church Mutual Insurance; Johnson Controls; Kohl’s; Marcus Center; Marquette University; ManpowerGroup; Milwaukee Bucks; Milwaukee County Office of Equity; Rockwell Automation; Rogers Behavioral Health; Spectrum; SysLogic; WE Energies; and Wellpoint Care Network.