Where to Celebrate MLK Jr. Day in New York

This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 16th 2023. The day honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan 15, 1929).

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Dr. King was the chief leader of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement in America. The Civil Rights Movement peacefully protested racial discrimination. Dr. King advanced civil rights for people of color through nonviolence and civil disobedience. Sadly, Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. His work continues today and many of the activities surrounding his birthday will serve to inspire others to continue the fight for equal rights and treatment of all humans.

This week we have a round up of just a few of the ways to pay tribute to King and his contributions to the advancement of all people.

One exuberant way to mark the holiday is with a gospel performance from the Harlem Gospel Choir, the most renowned gospel choir in America, at Sony Hall. You can see them live for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee on Monday, January 16th. Expect a concert full of “sounds that are unfettered, joyous, and inspirational,” with particular emotion this Monday. Doors open at 12:00 and the show begins at 1:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

Sony Hall

235 W 46th St

New York, NY 10036

On Sunday, January 15th, Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in two performances. The 17th annual Apollo Uptown Hall MLK celebration discusses the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. This is used as a jumping off point for modern discussion on social and civil justice. The event will celebrate young people impacting society through activism, engagement, and a commitment to justice.

Following the in person program, Celebrate MLK’s National Day of Service with an inspiring panel on the Apollo Digital Stage. The Apollo Young Producers features a discussion on the pivotal role of young voices affecting change within their communities.

Tickets for both are available online.

The Apollo Theater

253 W 125th St

New York, NY 10027

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) hosts New York’s largest public celebration in honor of Dr. King. This year the event encompasses visual art, musical performances, films and kids’ activities over several days from January 12-20.

The keynote event, The 37th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Howard Gilman Opera House takes place on Monday, January 16. Here artists and activists will come together to celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy. Nationally recognized civil rights lawyer and law professor Sherrilyn Ifill will deliver the keynote address. Her speech will be accompanied by Grammy-nominated performer Allison Russell and Vy Higginsen’s award-winning choir Sing Harlem. There will also be a live stream available. General admission is FREE! Tickets are available on a first come basis beginning at 8 am on Monday, January 16 at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby.

BAM also hosts a kids workshop, Courage Takes Creativity. The event will immerse children in art in ways that show how creative expression can support social justice movements. There’s also a screening of the film, My Name Is Pauli Murray. For more information and showtimes, see BAM’s website.

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House

30 Lafayette Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11217

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day guides from the Central Park Conservancy are leading 90-minute tours that shine a light on the park’s history of activism. The tour will take visitors through the history of specific activists, exact park locations and social movements that date back to the 1800s. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the history of American activism and how public spaces are vital for creating platforms to disseminate information. Included in the tour will be information regarding the 1967 Martin Luther King, Jr. protest and speech in Central Park.

Tours run on the following dates: Saturday, January 14; Saturday, January 21; Friday, January 27; Thursday, February 16; and Sunday, February 19. For more information, times, meeting points and tickets, see the park’s activism page on its website.

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*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.