Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is Jan. 19, an annual celebration of the life, work, and vision of one of America’s most fervent and prominent civil rights leaders, who would have turned 97 on Jan. 15.
In honor of his legacy, several commemorations are held throughout Brooklyn.
BAM 40th Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.:
The Brooklyn Academy of Music in Fort Greene is inviting the community to link arms with friends, neighbors, artists, and civic leaders for a day of reflection and family-friendly activities at its 40th annual tribute to the social reformer.
The celebration starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Howard Gilman Opera House and includes remarks by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II – Dr. Cornel West once described Barber as “the closest person we have to Martin Luther King, Jr. in our midst”– and Citizens Youth Speaker Aponi Kafele, a current BAM Education participant in the Brooklyn Interns for Arts and Culture (BIAC) program and a senior at Essex Street Academy, whose voice reflects the next generation of visionary changemakers. Entertainment includes a special solo performance from “Grace” by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, a Dance Company merging traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word, and musical performances by The Fire Ensemble, led by Troy Anthony, and the Brooklyn Music School.
The event is free, and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. on January 19 in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby.
“Just Mercy” screening at BAM:
On Jan. 19, BAM Rose Cinemas screens “Just Mercy,” part of BAM Film 2026.
The film, which was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is based on lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson’s memoir and his history-making battles for justice in Alabama, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” telling the story of Walter McMillian, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, a Black man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death. With the system stacked against them, Stevenson, played by Michael Jordan, refuses to back down as he fights to prove Walter’s innocence.
Tickets are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
BAMkids MLK Day programming: During the Jan. 15 Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., BAMkids offers a variety of programs throughout the day at The Adams Space (BAMcafé), reflecting King’s unwavering belief that hope can bloom even in the harshest soil. The activities include a letter-writing project to the kids’ “future selves,” planting seeds of encouragement to the person they are becoming, and a Dr. MLK Jr. Bingo, encouraging players of all ages to work together while exploring the history, values, and visionary life of Dr. King.
While the events are free, registration is recommended.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum:
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights is turning MLK’s dreams into action with two days of service, storytelling and song. Kids can create protest signs and take part in a mini-march with Grammy-nominated musician Fyütch, create shadow puppets and watch a puppet performance inspired by King’s speeches, take part and community service projects on Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by visiting the museum’s website.
