Celebrate MLK Day at BAM

The Brooklyn Academy of Music will celebrate the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday with a day of musical performances, influential speakers, a film and activities for children.

38th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Presented by BAM and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY

Jan 15, 2024, at 10:30am EST

Free, open to the public, and accessible via livestream on BAM.org (BAM lobby will open at 8am; seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis)

 BAM hosts the 38th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on what would have been Dr. King's 95th birthday. Brooklyn honors his radical spirit with music, performances, and an invigorating call to action from this year's keynote speaker—poet, lawyer, and Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts. The Tribute will feature inspiring musical performances by singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin and the award-winning choir Sing Harlem, led by Amaya Knoelle Higginson. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso will serve as the master of ceremonies. The event will be live streamed from Brooklyn to viewers around the country and around the world. This annual co-presentation by BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is the largest such gathering in New York City, where artists, activists, civic leaders, and the community gather to celebrate Dr. King and the tenacious individuals who continue his relentless pursuit of equality and justice and to support one another as we carry on the fight for a better world. 

BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day 2024: Small Things in Great Ways

Co-curated by the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle

The Adam Space (30 Lafayette Ave.), Brooklyn, NY

Jan 15 at 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3pm

FREE (Registration Required)

Ages  6—11

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision and teachings come to life as BAMkids pays tribute to his legacy through a tapestry of engaging activities that echo Dr. King's message about the importance of small acts in fostering change and unity, from a spoken word performance by visionary young poet Jada Wilkinson to creating a community song and movement under the direction of music teaching artist Okai Fleurimont, spoken word artist Zaven, and dancer Robenson Mathurin. Participants can contribute to a collaborative CommUNITY Banner led by visual artist Lexy Ho-Tai and other community craft activities, symbolizing their commitment to making positive community changes. In partnership with City Harvest, families will engage in activities that uplift seniors, aligning with Dr. King's call to serve others. Co-curated by the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle. Limited Capacity. Registration is required. Visit BAM.org for more details. 

Rustin (2023) George C. Wolfe (106 min)

BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Ave), Brooklyn, NY

Jan 15 at 1pm

Free (tickets will be distributed on a first-come basis)

Bayard Rustin was the architect of 1963’s March on Washington. He challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement.