Though there are events all weekend to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy, (check our weekend events here), there are some special ones on the actual day it’s celebrated- Monday, January 16th. MLK Day is also about giving service to others and we have our list of where to volunteer as a family here. You can also look at NYC’s database for volunteer opportunities which have opportunities from helping shovel snow to instructing fitness classes.
Monday, January 16th: 10:30 am:
24th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
BAM, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York present New York City’s largest public celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This year, BAM welcomes keynote speaker Dennis M. Walcott, chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. A lifelong resident of Queens and a graduate of New York City public schools, Walcott has spent his life committed to Dr. King’s vision of social justice through advocacy of improved educational policy and social services for both children and adults. Walcott pays tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy in this uplifting, music-filled tribute to one of the great humanitarians of our time. Musical performances by Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely and The Institutional Radio Choir C.O.G.I.C. of Brooklyn round out the program. Following the event in the Opera House, BAM Rose Cinemas presents a free screening of the film The Black Power Mixtape 1967—1975. Featuring never-before-seen interviews with many leaders of the Black Power Movement this moving documentary features a treasure trove of footage shot by Swedish journalists who came to the US drawn by stories of urban unrest and revolution.
Details: BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. First come, first seated. BAM.org is located in Fort Greene.
Monday, January 16th: 9:30 AM -12:00 PM:
MLK Day Mini Camps
Soccer mini-camps for ages 2.5-3 & Ages 4-5 all morning in Park Slope.
Details: visit supersoccerstars.com or call us at 212-877-7171 to secure a spot today.
Monday, January 16th
Children’s Museum of Manhattan Celebration
This child-centered museum is open on MLK day which means you not only get to play but children ages 5 years and older can take a “Make a difference pledge” and all ages can watch the 3 pm performance by the Harlem Gospel Choir. Heavenly.
Details: Childrens Museum of Manhattan 212 West 83rd Street. New York, NY 10024.
Monday, January 16th: 10 am – 12 pm
Day of Service at Crow Hill
Come to the Crow Hill Community Garden for a day of service! Bring gloves, outdoor brooms/dustpans, garbage bags, etc. Bring your family, friends & neighbors.
Details: 730 Franklin Ave btw. Park and Sterling.
Monday, January 16th: various times
Events at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Let’s Join Hands
11:30am-12:30pm
Explore the differences and similarities of various cultures and we learn about tolerance and peace. Learn Martin Luther King’s message of friendship and love as he joined hands with people of all colors on his march to freedom. Create a hand wreath to take home.
Ages 5 & under
Cake of Dreams
12:00-3:00pm
Let your dreams be showcased during Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend! Come write or draw pictures of your dreams on clouds, then add your dream to Dr. King’s birthday cake. Come back later in the afternoon to see it overflowing with clouds of the dreams of children just like you!
All Ages
Historical Snapshot: A Day in the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
1:30 – 2:30pm
Join us for a historical journey as we hear about the day (Wednesday, August 28, 1963) that Civil Rights activist, Ms. Yolanda Clarke, attended the “March on Washington (D.C.) for Jobs and Freedom”. Listen as she describes the moments leading up to and including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s’ I Have a Dream speech advocating for racial harmony on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial. Afterwards, participate in a discussion with Ms. Clarke about her place in history, listen to renowned opera singer, Lawrence Craig, Jr., as he pays tribute in song to our beloved Dr. King and view a recording of one of the most noted events in history.
All Ages
National Grid Earthworks: Best Nest Contest
1:30 – 2:30pm
From twigs and mud to bubbles and spit, nests can be made out of just about anything. Check out nests from our collection and see who can build the best nest for their little guests.
Ages 4 and up
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
2:30 – 3:30pm
Explore the big ideas and images that surround the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Investigate the symbols and slogans of the US Civil Rights Movement and take part in our National Day of Service: a “day on, not a day off.” Inspire generations to come with your own living legacy collage.
Ages 6+
Let’s Join Hands
2:30-3:30pm
Explore the differences and similarities of various cultures and we learn about tolerance and peace. Learn Martin Luther King’s message of friendship and love as he joined hands with people of all colors on his march to freedom. Create a hand wreath to take home.
Ages 5 & under
Details: Brooklyn Children’s Museum 45 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4400 www.brooklynkids.org