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 19th. 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 19th: 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 Dr. Cornel West, Every January, artists, activists, civic leaders, and community members come together in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House to honor the legacy and share the dream of Dr. King. The largest event of its kind in New York City, this celebration is presented in partnership with the Brooklyn Borough President and Medgar Evers College, and has been a BAM tradition since 1990.
In conjunction with the event, BAMcafé Live features a weekend of music programming inspired by Dr. King’s vision of social activism and equality. Past acts have included a salute to Curtis Mayfield, political hip-hop crew Blitz the Ambassador, and new-jazz vocalist Chandra Rule.
Details: BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. First come, first seated. BAM.org is located in Fort Greene.
Monday, January 19th
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 19th: various times
Events at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Let’s Join Hands
11:30am and 2:30pm
Learn about how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. joined hands with people of all colors on a march for his people’s freedom. Explore the big ideas of diversity and tolerance through storytelling and songs. Create a craft inspired by Dr. King’s message to take with you.
Ages 5 & under
Let’s March!
12:30pm
The Civil Rights Era is marked by the action of marching. Join us as we watch footage of Dr. King’s famous March on Washington, create posters for peace and justice, and march together throughout BMC.
Ages 4 and up.
Movie Screening: Our Friend, Martin
12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm
This animated film incorporates authentic historical footage of Dr. King as two students travel through time to learn about the Civil Rights movement and the courage it took to change the dream of freedom into reality.
All ages.
Cultural Connections Performance: Berean Community Drumline
1:30pm and 2:30pm
Celebrate the incredible vision and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as we mark his birthday throughout the weekend. The Berean Community Drumline, established in 2009, is a high energy youth program serving teens of the Crown Heights community. Modeled after the drumlines of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands, this program exudes a pride in African American history and legacy through percussion and dance. Come see these exceptional teens groove to original beats that are sure to have you on your feet.
All ages. Supported by the Tiger Baron Foundation.
Details: Brooklyn Children’s Museum 45 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4400 www.brooklynkids.org