This year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day falls on Monday, Jan. 15, and all weekend long there will be events celebrating and educating the public about his life and actions during the Civil Rights Movement.
Here are a few events that you can check out that are celebrating Dr. King’s legacy.
Giving Back
NYC Parks Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Every year, the Parks Department hosts a service day throughout several parks in the city so New Yorkers can give back to their green spaces.
When: Jan. 13 and Jan. 15, start times vary by event
Where: Various parks, check the NYC Parks website for the one nearest to you.
For over 20 years, Hunger Free America has hosted its MLK Serve-A-Thon to honor the legacy of Dr. King. Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of opportunities to volunteer, panels and workshops for New Yorkers to participate in.
When: Jan. 13-15
Where: Various locations, check the Hunger Free America website for events near you.
Performances & Talks
The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee
The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is celebrating Dr. King with this annual matinee concert highlighting songs that are both joyous and inspirational.
When: Jan. 15, doors open at 12 p.m., show starts at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Sony Hall, 235 W 46th St., Manhattan
The Unity Concert, Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King
This concert aims to help guests discover the power of unity and nonviolence, inspired by Dr. King, as the name suggests. The show will start with a talk led by Teachers College Professor and expert on targeted violence and hate prevention, Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess, and then transition into the performance.
When: Jan. 16, 6 p.m.
Where: Milbank Chapel, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th St., Manhattan
Hosted by the Riverside Church, the Joy Regardless Concert will celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with the Broadway Inspirational Voices. If you can’t make it to the show in person, you can stream the concert at home!
When: Jan. 14, 5 p.m.
Where: The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr., Manhattan
Uptown Hall: The Inconvenient King
The Apollo Theater is teaming up with WNYC to host their 18th annual celebration of Dr. King. Those who attend will listen to a talk moderated by NPR’s Notes from America host Kai Wright, followed by various performances in music, spoken word and more centered around the context, complexity and updating our consciousness when faced with discrimination.
When: Jan. 14, 2 p.m.
Where: Apollo’s Historic Theater, 253 West 125th St., Manhattan
The 38th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Presented by BAM and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, this tribute will feature musical performances and a keynote speech from poet, lawyer, and founder and CEO of Freedom Reads Dwayne Betts. There will also be a free screening of the film “Rustin.”
When: Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn
The 11th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speaker Series
Every year, Julliard celebrates the life of Dr. King with this special speaker series. This year, the lecture will be led by Bryan Stevenson, Founder of the Equal Justice Initiative.
When: Jan. 18, 6 p.m.
Where: Paul Hall, The Juilliard School, 155 W. 65th St., Manhattan
For kids and families
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is hosting a series of events for your kiddos to get immersed in Dr. King’s legacy. Those who come through can take part in community art programs, interactive performances, protest marches, and volunteer projects.
When: Jan. 14-15, various start times
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend at CMOM
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is hosting events all month long celebrating Dr. King. This weekend, visitors can take part in building a community mural and take part in other community-based artistic opportunities. If you miss out this weekend, there will be other opportunities throughout the month as well!
When: Jan. 13-15, various start times
Where: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd St., Manhattan
Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Day at the Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is celebrating MLK Day with a special lineup of events. Those who come to Family Day can listen to a talk with teen advocates, take part in a scavenger hunt, create animations and other media inspired by the work of Dr. King and more.
When: Jan. 14, 2 p.m.
Where: The Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, Queens
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Jackie Robinson Museum
Throughout MLK Day, the Jackie Robinson Museum is letting guests experience guided tours, interactive workshops and art activities, trivia and a scavenger hunt for all to enjoy.
When: Jan. 15, 12-3 p.m.
Where: Jackie Robinson Museum, One Hudson Square Building, 75 Varick St., Manhattan
Have an event to share? Send your submissions to emily.davenport@amny.com.
