Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream for a more just and harmonious world, in his "I Have a Dream" speech.  This speech has been repeated, quoted, and replayed many times since it was originally presented in 1963. It is truly an iconic moment in Civil Rights History and in the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join Rev. Dr. King in sharing your own dreams for a more just and harmonious world.  A table located in the FSPA Lobby will have materials for individuals to write and post their own dream on the wall.  Materials will be available during the day's activities, from breakfast through the evening community celebration. 

• Join us as we kick off our day with a light breakfast in the FSPA Lobby of the Fine Arts Center
• Registration/check-in for service projects in the main box office lobby area
• Socialize to start our day “on"

At 8:30 AM we will have a short program and prayer. 

• Service projects will be dismissed by site, departing campus by 8:45 a.m. 

Sign up to serve with local community organizations and causes. Visit the appropriate link below to read more thorough details about our service and to view details of each available project.    

• Viterbo Email: Please click here to register for a project.
  • Use the same Viterbo Log-In information as you use for email, Moodle, etc. 
  • Viterbo students and employees can use this UGetConnected tool to find service opportunities year-round.
• No Viterbo Email:  Please click here to register for your project through the community UGetConnected portal.
  • Use this option if you’re a guest or participant without a Viterbo email.  You may have to create a user profile on UGetConnected first.    

Priority registration deadline: Saturday, Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. 

If you are interested in serving as a site leader for the project you are interested in, indicate that in your registration notes. We encourage any Viterbo employees or experienced Service Saturdays participants to consider this role. 

All meal plans will work for individuals on meal plans. Viterbo faculty and employees are invited to enjoy lunch free of charge. Visitors are welcome to purchase a meal in the cafeteria. 

Menu includes: Creole BBQ chicken, Cajun roasted pork loin, Cajun Tofu, glazed carrots, steamed broccoli florets, smoked paprika roasted potatoes, vegan jambalaya, baked russet potato. 

Join our prayer service for reflection on the morning of service, the afternoon of learning, and the upcoming evening of celebration.  

• 1:30 PM Hear, Here: Voices of Black Resistance in La Crosse by Dr. Ariel Beaujot
  • Hear stories from marginalized groups in La Crosse's history and learn about the Northside project coming in spring 2024! 
• 2:30 PM The Significance of La Crosse for the Ho-Chunk People by Tracy Littlejohn
  • Learn the history of the "Indian Removals" west and the return of the Ho-Chunk people to La Crosse and the region they call home. 
• 3:30 PM Identities of Hmong Women in La Crosse (panel)
  • A panel of Hmong women bring depth of understanding to their diverse identities through discussions of life, family, and other roles in the community of La Crosse.

Rev. Alexander Gee, is CEO of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Gee is a published author, adjunct faculty, community activist, life coach, international lecturer, and relief worker. Gee is considered a serial social entrepreneur, having started four successful small businesses and initiatives that currently employ nearly 40 staff.

In recognition of his work within the local community, Rev. Gee has received numerous honors, such as the 1994 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from the City of Madison. Rev. Gee studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Fuller Seminary, and Bakke Graduate University. He is the author of two books and host for the award-winning podcast, Black Like Me.

Attendees of his presentation in celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will come away with a deeper appreciation of the life of Dr. King and how we can continue his legacy today. 

*Note: Doors open at 6:30 PM.  Free and open to the public. This event also live-streamed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/viterboethics

B.L.A.C.K (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge) compiled a list of Black-owned businesses in La Crosse and surrounding communities. You can access the link HERE

Please know you can support these businesses and other organizations financially, but you can also promote their businesses on social media and provide recommendations to show your support.

Learn more about The Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce (WBCC). Become a member, attend their conferences and workshops, see businesses promoted throughout the state by WBCC.