On January 15, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) proudly hosted the thirty eighth Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a deeply cherished occasion honoring the legacy of the civil rights chief. The gathering came about within the Howard Gilman Opera Home and was accessible worldwide by means of a live-streamed broadcast.
Offered by BAM and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, this yr’s occasion featured an empowering keynote speech by Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts. This system additionally featured a ravishing music efficiency by singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin. The award-winning Sing Harlem choir, underneath the course of Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson, paid tribute to King by means of uplifting melodies, together with soul-stirring performances of the Black nationwide anthem, “Carry Each Voice,” and “We Shall Overcome.”
Influential civic leaders shared profound views on King’s affect on the neighborhood and the continuing pursuit of justice. Audio system included BAM President Gina Duncan, BAM Chief Civic Engagement Officer Coco Killingsworth, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, Legal professional Normal Letitia James, Senator Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Speaker of NYC Metropolis Council Adrienne Adams, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Councilmember for NYC District 35 in Brooklyn Crystal Hudson, and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for the Metropolis of New York Laurie Cumbo.
Every speaker mirrored on King’s legacy and the collective duty to proceed the battle for justice and equality.
After the tribute, the neighborhood screening of the brand new Netflix biopic “Rustin” took middle stage within the BAM Rose Cinemas, paying homage to the lifetime of Bayard Rustin, a pivotal determine within the Civil Rights Motion. The in-person introduction by Walter Naegle, Bayard Rustin’s real-life associate and govt director of the Bayard Rustin Fund, added a poignant and private dimension to the occasion.
As well as, BAMkids Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.: Small Issues in Nice Methods was supplied to households with younger youngsters. This program featured enjoyable actions together with music, motion, and crafts centered round household unity and constructive change.
