Contact: Joe Shansky (414) 795-3380 / joe@vdlf.org

On Monday January 20th, marked the fifth annual Racine Dr. King Day Celebration, organized by the students of Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), the student arm of Voces de la Frontera. Berenice Beltran, senior at Horlick High School and leader with Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES) quotes “As students, Dr. King Day is so important to us because it brings us all together to celebrate equality and social justice. We are so proud to celebrate our 5th annual event, continuing on the legacy of the students who won this day off 5 years ago so we could honor Dr. King.” This event included 250 high school students volunteering all across the city in the morning, a peace and justice rally and wreath laying at the Dr. King statue (with speeches from students and local leaders), social justice workshops in the afternoon, and an evening program with speakers, a soul food dinner, music, and dance. 400 parents, students, and community members will attend the evening celebration at the George Bray Neighborhood Center. This event has become an iconic demonstration of racial unity in the City of Racine, emulating and honoring Dr. King’s values of service, social justice, and community.Dr. King Celebration took place in Racine Labor Center, Julian Thomas School, George Bray Neighborhood Center, and Sites across Racine. Racine, High School Students with Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES), Voces de la Frontera members, NAACP Racine Branch, ACLU of Wisconsin, George Bray Neighborhood Center, and Racine Education Association helped organize this event.