On Monday, Jan. 21, the Brooklyn Academy of Music will do its part to honor a historic dream by hosting the 22nd annual “Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Come Share the Dream” event. Bringing together civic leaders, musicians and artists, BAM’s celebration is the largest in the entire city.
Kicking off at 10:30 am, the event will feature tributes from BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins and Borough President Marty Markowitz, with performances by R&B legend Mavis Staples (pictured) as well as Gary Anglin and the Voices of the Christian Cultural Center. Following this program will be a screening of the film, “At the River I Stand” and an art exhibit, “Picture the Dream,” will round out the celebration.
Commenting on King’s dream, Deputy Borough President Yvonne J. Graham, the event’s master of ceremonies, said, “Today, we are all witness to a new day in America’s electoral process with the first African-American presidential candidate to emerge victorious in the Iowa caucuses — something that couldn’t have been imagined even just a short time ago. This historic moment is a true testament to Dr. King’s vision.”
And while BAM’s celebration is the biggest, there are plenty of events happening all over the borough. The Brooklyn Museum is hosting WNYC’s Brian Lehrer in a panel discussion, “Embracing the Radical King: Prophetic or Passe?,” and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts an all-day celebration featuring performances of spirituals by the Great Day Chorale.
“Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — Come Share the Dream” will begin at 10:30 am on Jan. 21 at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place in Fort Greene). All of the day’s events are free. For information, call (718) 636-4100 or visit www.bam.org.
“Embracing the Radical King: Prophetic or Passe?” will take place at 3 pm on Jan. 21 at the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy. at Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights). Tickets are free. For information, call (718) 638-5000 or visit www.brooklynmuseum.org.
The Great Day Chorale will perform at 11 am and 2:30 pm at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1000 Washington Ave. at Montgomery Street in Prospect Heights). Admission is free. For information, call (718) 623-7200 or visit www.bbg.org.
