BAM Reveals Keynote and Artists for Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

BAM will host the 38th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 10:30am EST in the Howard Gilman Opera House (Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave.). Celebrating this year, on what would have been Dr. King's 95th birthday, Brooklyn honors his radical spirit with music, performances, and an invigorating call to action from this year's keynote speaker—poet, lawyer, and Freedom Reads founder Reginald Dwayne Betts.

This annual co-presentation by BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso is the largest such gathering in New York City, where artists, activists, civic leaders, and the community gather to celebrate Dr. King and the tenacious individuals who continue his relentless pursuit of equality and justice and to support one another as we carry on the fight for a better world. 

"This annual event stands as a testament to Dr. King’s indelible impact on our community and his enduring legacy of advocating for equality, justice, and social transformation," said Coco Killingsworth, Chief Experience and Impact Officer at BAM. "It serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains and inspires us to continue striving towards a more just and equitable society, no matter how long the road ahead may appear. Dr. King's teachings resonate universally, guiding us toward a future where compassion, understanding, and ultimately justice prevail."

Betts, a MacArthur Fellow and a trailblazer promoting the rights and humanity of people affected by incarceration, will deliver this year's keynote. Through his legal and literary work, Betts has dedicated himself to exploring incarceration in America and empowering individuals through literature. As the founder of Freedom Reads, Betts aims to inspire incarcerated individuals with the power of literature, drawing from his own transformative experience while imprisoned as a young man.

The Tribute will feature inspiring musical performances by singer-songwriter Madison McFerrinand the award-winning choir Sing Harlem, led by Amaya Knoelle Higginson. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso will serve as the master of ceremonies. The event will be live streamed from Brooklyn to viewers around the country and around the world. 

Other events include a complementary BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day program featuring music, dance, and craft activities and a free film screening of Rustin. All events are free. 

In-Person Ticketing and Live Stream: Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-seated basis starting at 8am in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby. The Tribute will be available to digital audiences everywhere as a live stream via BAM.org. For further information, please call BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100x1 or visit BAM.org.

Additional Events:

BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day 2024: Small Things in Great Ways (ages  6—11)
Co-curated by the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle
The Adam Space (30 Lafayette Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY

Jan 15 at 11:30am-12:45pm; 1:30p-2:45pm; 3pm-4:15pm
FREE (Registration Required)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision and teachings come to life as BAMkids pays tribute to his legacy through a tapestry of engaging activities that echo Dr. King's message about the importance of small acts in fostering change and unity, from a spoken word performance by visionary young poet Jada Wilkinson to creating a community song and movement under the direction of music teaching artist Okai Fleurimont, spoken word artist Zaven, and dancer Robenson Mathurin. Participants can contribute to a collaborative CommUNITY Banner led by visual artist Lexy Ho-Tai and other community craft activities, symbolizing their commitment to making positive community changes. In partnership with City Harvest, families will engage in activities that uplift seniors, aligning with Dr. King's call to serve others. Co-curated by the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle. Limited Capacity. Registration is required. Visit BAM.org for more details. 

Film: Rustin (2023) George C. Wolfe (106 min)
BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Ave) 
Brooklyn, NY

Jan 15 at 1pm
Free (tickets will be distributed on a first-come basis)

Bayard Rustin was the architect of 1963’s March on Washington. He challenged authority and never apologized for who he was, but was forgotten despite making history. Rustin spotlights the man who, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., dared to imagine a different world and inspired a movement. 

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