University of Wisconsin - Extension

Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) will air highlights from the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute celebration based in the State Capitol at 8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21.

Jonathan Overby of Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is the producer and host of the event, which will also air live on WPR¿s Ideas Network. The actual ceremony begins at noon Monday, Jan. 21.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential people of the 20th century, will be remembered in an hour-long WPT broadcast featuring highlights from the day¿s ceremonies. Some of the special guests that will be attending the Capitol event include Academy-Award nominee actor Paul Winfield who was also the first person to portray King in a televised movie, which aired in 1978; Highway to Heaven Big Band; Lighthouse Singers; Madison's East High School Choir; Madison Children's Choir; and Mt. Zion Liturgical Dancers. Winners of the 2002 MLK Heritage Award will also be announced.

¿Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a man who led by example, influencing the lives of countless people,¿ said Garry Denny, WPT¿s program and content manager. ¿But perhaps his greatest achievement is the fact that he gave so many people hope for a better tomorrow. I am pleased that Wisconsin Public Television can bring part of that hope, through this celebration, to statewide viewers.¿

The event at the Capitol is sponsored, in part, by the Evjue Foundation, Alliant Energy, American Family Insurance, University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of the Chancellor, Wisconsin Public Television, Wisconsin Public Radio, the Governor¿s Office and private contributions.

WPT is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Wisconsin Public Television is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV/Madison, WPNE-TV/Green Bay, WHRM-TV/Wausau, WLEF-TV/Park Falls, WHLA-TV/La Crosse and WHWC-TV/Menomonie-Eau Claire.