Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in Brooklyn
Events include a day of reflection, a movie screening, and children’s programming.
A 2018 event at BAM. Photo by Craig Hubert
by Gabriele Holtermann, Brooklyn Paper
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 19, an annual celebration of the life, work, and vision of one of America’s most fervent and prominent civil rights leaders, who would have turned 97 on January 15.
In honor of his legacy, several commemorations are held throughout Brooklyn.
BAM 40th Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music in Fort Greene is inviting the community to link arms with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders for a day of reflection and family-friendly activities at its 40th annual tribute to the social reformer.
The celebration starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Howard Gilman Opera House and includes remarks by Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II and Citizens Youth Speaker Aponi Kafele. Dr. Cornel West once described Barber as “the closest person we have to Martin Luther King, Jr. in our midst.” Kafele is in BAM’s Brooklyn Interns for Arts and Culture (BIAC) program and a senior at Essex Street Academy.
Entertainment includes a solo performance from “Grace” by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, a Dance Company, which combines traditional African dance with spoken word and contemporary choreography, and musical performances by the Brooklyn Music School and The Fire Ensemble, led by Troy Anthony.
The event is free, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. on January 19 in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby.
“Just Mercy” screening at BAM
On January 19, BAM Rose Cinemas screens “Just Mercy,” part of BAM Film 2026.
The film, which was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is based on activist and lawyer Bryan Stevenson’s memoir and his fight for justice in Alabama. “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” tells the story of Walter McMillian, a Black man who was falsely convicted of murder and faced a death sentence. Tickets are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
During the January 19 Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., BAMkids offers a variety of programs throughout the day at The Adams Space (BAMcafé). The activities include a letter-writing project to the kids’ “future selves,” planting seeds of encouragement to the person they are becoming, and Dr. MLK Jr. Bingo, a game that encourages cooperation among players and teaches the values, history, and vision of Dr. King.
While the events are free, registration is recommended.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is turning MLK’s dreams into action with two days of storytelling, singing, and service. Kids can create protest signs and take part in a mini-march with Grammy-nominated musician Fyütch, create shadow puppets and watch a puppet performance inspired by King’s speeches, and participate in community service projects on January 18 and January 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by visiting the museum’s website.
Editor’s note: A version of this story originally ran in Brooklyn Paper. Click here to see the original story.
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- Martin Luther King Jr. Place: Small and Often Forgotten
- On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Celebrating His Life and Legacy at BAM
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