Organizations across Brooklyn marked the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with commemorative programs chock full of local talent — including moving musical performances, dramatic art displays, emotional speeches and more. The events memorialized King’s life and his work, educated young Brooklynites about his legacy, and worked to uphold and carry on the values he preached.
BAM Tribute
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) hosted their annual tribute at their Howard Gilman Opera House on Monday. A crowd joined to hear from speakers including Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, BAM president Gina Duncan, District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and more. Sing Harlem and Allison Russell brought the entertainment with expressive performances.
In her speech, Hochul recalled reading a book about King’s life while he was still alive. Her parents, raising her and her siblings in a “pretty conservative part of the state,” brought them along to civil rights marches and events inspired by King and his colleagues.
“So, the night Dr. King was assassinated, we held our hands around the table and wept because I was raised in a social justice Catholic family and we knew what he meant to so many people,” Hochul said. “We also knew his story could not die in that moment, and that is why we gather every single year, to refresh the memory, to teach the young children of our responsibilities.”
Hochul said she will use her post as governor to fight for what’s right in New York.
“We’re going to take on those fights, and I’ll do that emboldened knowing that the people have given me this gift of leadership,” she said.”But it’s not one that I’ll ever take for granted because just like Dr. King, I feel that sense of responsibility to others and I’ll continue to heed his life story and his message as an inspiration to take on the fights.”
Brooklyn Children’s Museum celebration
Brooklyn’s Children Museum held a three-day festival where the little tots learned more about the late civil rights activist through hands on activities, poster making and marches.
Prospect Park Alliance volunteer day
Organizers with Prospect Park and local do-gooders spent Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorating his legacy with a day of service. According to a spokesperson with the park, over 90 volunteers came out to spread mulch, edge and sweep paths, rake leaves and remove litter near the Music Pagoda.
“Prospect Park Alliance is thrilled to participate in this day of service and so excited about the great response we received from the community,” the spox said.
