Deep emotions of pride, empowerment and grit roared through the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House on Monday during the 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The event began with a powerful selection from the Fire Ensemble, an intergenerational choir led by Troy Anthony, which sang about expressing gratitude and finding the power of your breath. Accompanying the ensemble was their pop-up choir, which included over fifty Brooklynites.
The celebration also included a performance by Ailey II dancer Kiri Moore, who performed an excerpt from “Divining” by the late Judith Jamison.
The annual celebration brought together some of New York and Brooklyn's top political figures, including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Governor Kathy Hochul, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, City Council Member Crystal Hudson, Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo and Senator Charles Schumer, who spoke through video.
Notably absent was New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who cancelled his planned appearance at the tribute to instead head to the presidential inauguration at the last minute.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy was a lot more meaningful to those who filled the opera house this year because the inauguration was concurrently being held in Washington D.C. While many expressed their disapproval of the incoming administration, the speakers encouraged the audience to continue to do the work so Dr. King’s dream stays alive.
“[This event] was also a celebration of life, a celebration of the fight that we all have within us,” Coco Killingsworth, BAM’s chief experience and impact officer, told BK Reader. “It's a day to really look around ourselves, and not just to those who happen to have power or be in leadership or be in office, and look to ourselves to be the kind of inspiration that we need.”
The most powerful moment of the morning was when Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, took the stage.
LaNier was one of nine Black students who were chosen to desegregate a high school in Little Rock, Ark. in 1957, following the Supreme Court’s decision that segregated schools were illegal through the Brown v. Board of Education case.
As she spoke about the moments as a child facing hate speech and violence, the room grew silent. She reminded the audience that although it was MLK Day, the work was ours to continue.
“Doctor King wasn't superhuman,” she explained. “He was just a man who put his gifts to work for the good of mankind. He answered the call. I think if he were alive today, he would remind us that we all have gifts to share and a role to play in creating the kind of society we desire.”
BAM also hosted kid-friendly events and a breakfast for political figures before the main programming. Two students from BAM’s Arts and Justice After School Program, Itiya Mason and Amalya Mason, were chosen as Citizens Youth Speakers to deliver speeches on Dr. King's impact on the next generation.
“There are so many kids who would really love to fully learn about who Martin Luther King really was,” Itiya Mason told BK Reader.
“I think he should be portrayed as a revolutionary, rather than just someone who made peace," said Amalya Mason, Itiya's sister. "Because he was definitely not just someone who was asking for peace. He was fighting for it.”
