MLK celebration: Milwaukee leaders highlight community issues that need changing

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Hundreds gathered in Milwaukee for the state's largest celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, on January 19th, 2015. But the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Celebration Breakfast was more than a ceremony, it was also an opportunity for community leaders to discuss the change they say needs to happen in Milwaukee.

The crowd took a moment to honor Dr. King's life and legacy with the sounds of the Black National Anthem. Then, City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevin Baker took the podium, and quoted the late civil rights leader.

"We need to work and refuse to be silent about things that matter," said Baker.

With hundreds in attendance, including Governor Scott Walker, the event celebrates local organizations who live up to Dr. King's vision for equality ad justice. But also highlights issues in the community.

"In Milwaukee, and much, much too often, zip code determines how healthy you are," said Baker.

City leaders explain the challengers Milwaukee faces when it comes to infant mortality among African Americans, specifically the city's high number of co-sleeping deaths.

"It underscores that there are still very real issues that we face as a community, as it pertains to the delivery of healthcare and the life conditions under which some of our most vulnerable live," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

The mayor also called for an improvement in police and community relations.

"We all have to work to be a community where the community can work with, and trust the police , and where the police can work with, and trust the community. It has to be a two way street," said Mayor Barrett.

The health and wellness of Milwaukee`s youth was also a big part of this event. Outside the breakfast, images from kids at the Downtown Montessori Academy were on display, while inside, children gave speeches and were part of the ceremony.

"Silence in the presence of evil is the conspiring enemy to true change," said one student.

The event is hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. The YMCA also sponsored a Day of Service where volunteers worked in the community instead of at their jobs for the day.