The Brooklyn Academy of Music and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso will host the 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20.
The free public event, the largest celebration in New York City honoring Dr. King, will take place at 10:30am in BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House at 30 Lafayette Ave., according to a press release.
The event will feature a keynote address by Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine and a civil rights pioneer. LaNier rose to prominence at 14 years old when she became the youngest student to help desegregate Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957. Her speech will focus on continued action in the fight for equality and offer a glimpse into her personal journey as an activist.
Performances will include a solo by Ailey II dancer Kiri Moore, who will present an excerpt from Divining, choreographed by the late Judith Jamison. The piece, first created in 1984, reflects themes of searching and determination that align with Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality.
The Fire Ensemble, an intergenerational choir led by composer Troy Anthony, will also perform.
BAM will also host additional free events throughout the day including If You Can’t Be the Sun, Be a Star!, a BAMkids program featuring activities like mural-making, a vintage photo booth and movement workshops designed to inspire reflection on Dr. Kings.
At 1:00pm, BAM Rose Cinemas will screen Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, a documentary about South African photographer Ernest Cole, who captured life under apartheid. The film reintroduces Cole’s work to a new generation, highlighting his contributions to justice and resilience.
The celebration will also spotlight youth leadership through the participation of sisters Itiya Mason and Amalya Mason, members of BAM’s Arts & Justice program.
Tickets for the tribute will be distributed on a first-come, first-seated basis starting at 8:00am in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby. Visit the organization's website for more information.
