Deanna Kolell

Thursday, Jan. 18 | 7 p.m.
Harper Hall

Acclaimed poet Paul Tran is the author of the debut poetry collection, All the Flowers Kneeling (Penguin, 2022), winner of the California Independent Bookseller Association Golden Poppy Award and Wisconsin Library Association Poetry Award, finalist for the PEN Open Book Award, Lambda Literary Foundation Transgender Poetry Award, and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award, and named “Editor’s Choice” by The New York Times, “Best Book of 2022” by The New Yorker, and “Books We Love” by NPR. Paul is an Assistant Professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Sponsored by the Mia Paul Poetry Fund, IDEAS, and SHARE

Read more about Paul Tran

Monday, January 15 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Lawrence University is excited to host the 33rd Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Hear from:

• Keynote Speaker Cainan Davenport | “We Have A Dream”
• Highlight Speaker Dr. Adriana McCleer

With musical performances from:

• NOIR | Lawrence University student group
• Star Scholars | Music & Poetry

Also featuring the presentation of Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity MLK Community Leader and MLK Educator awards:

• The MLK Committee is accepting nominations for these awards. More information can be found on this form.
• The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, Dec. 17.
• Questions? Email lissette.cruz-jimenez@lawrence.edu.

Thank you to our sponsors!

• People of Progression
• Appleton Area School District
• United Way Fox Cities
• Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley
• City of Appleton

Help support the future of the Fox Cities MLK Celebration!

The Fox Cities MLK Committee (a group of passionate and experienced community members and leaders from non-profit organizations and schools) are proud to plan and host the 33rd Annual Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration.

This free community event is successful largely thanks to donations made by you, our community! All funds will be used only for the annual MLK Day celebration.

Thank you for your support!

Donate to the Fox Cities MLK Celebration

About Cainan

Cainan Davenport, affectionately known as “K” within the community he serves, is the co-owner of Taperz Barber Shop and the co-founder of People of Progression. He has dedicated his career to being a community business professional, committed to making a positive impact in the areas that need it most.

A proud Army military veteran, Cainan served as a Combat Medic, gaining skills that now fuel his efforts to foster unity and collaboration within the Appleton community for over 15 years.

Cainan’s community initiatives are nothing short of inspiring. He is the force behind the Appleton Back to School Block Party. Additionally, he actively participates in Jefferson Elementary School’s Back to School Bash.

As a testament to his belief that bringing like-minded individuals together, Cainan was honored with the MLK Community Leader Award in 2023.

In 2007, Cainan opened “Komplexions Barber Shop,” Appleton’s first black-owned barbershop and later established “Taperz Barbershop.” Despite the challenges faced as a minority business owner, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continues to lead various community events, turning Taperz into a hub for all people in the Fox Valley, particularly those of color.

As the Vice President of Generational Guidance Group, a local organization supporting kids in the Fox Valley, Cainan actively contributes to events that build character, teach teamwork, and
boost self-esteem.

Recognizing additional needs in the community, Cainan created Taperz Talks, providing a safe space to discuss life grievance. His barbershop serves as a haven during off hours for open forums, fostering open conversations within the community. His constant goal is to bring like-minded individuals together to actively work on solutions, creating a stronger and more empowered community.

About Dr. Adriana McCleer

Adriana McCleer, Ph.D., is the Community Partnerships Supervisor at Appleton Public Library, where she oversees programs, community engagement, outreach, and partnerships related to teens and adults.

Adriana’s approach to librarianship is asset-based, collaborative, and community-centered, so engagement in local initiatives is central to her work. She is the chair of Casa Hispana, Inc. Board of Directors, event chair for Latino Fest, a member of the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s NEW PAC and supports various local programs and projects.