Moraine Park Technical College hosted their third annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Literacy Week Project, donating more than 500 culturally responsive books to three local elementary schools. 

In 2019, the College began exploring opportunities to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and developed strong partnerships with three area schools; Jefferson Elementary in Beaver Dam, Chegwin Elementary in Fond du Lac, and Green Tree Elementary in West Bend.

Each year, Moraine Park has donated culturally responsive books to the schools’ libraries, and employees of the College have spent time in the classroom or virtually reading books to the students.

“Engaging with our communities is a strategic priority for the College,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “We value the partnerships cultivated with these three district elementary schools and look forward to working with them to celebrate the important work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for years to come.”

Celebrate MLK Day today, Jan. 17, 2022, by learning 10 new facts about the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.

1. King’s birth name was Michael, not Martin.
2. King entered college when he was 15 years old.
3. King received his doctorate in systematic theology.
4. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
5. King was jailed 29 times.
6. King narrowly escaped an assassination attempt a decade before the assassination that killed him.
7. King’s last public speech foretold his death.
8. Members of King’s family did not believe James Earl Ray acted alone.
9. King’s mother was also murdered by gun violence.
10. King is the only non-president to have a national holiday.