MLK Day events across NYC area honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
NEW YORK — Organizations across the New York City marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special events honoring the civil rights leader's legacy.
This year, the federal holiday also falls on Inauguration Day.
MLK Day events in New York
Several state and local officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, were expected to attend an event hosted by the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York and Vicinity at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem. Adams, however, was a no-show after receiving a last-minute invite to attend Trump's inauguration.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music hosted its 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The free event began at 10:30 a.m. Monday and included a keynote speech by Carlotta Walls LaNier of the Little Rock Nine, a presentation by Ailey II, a performance by the intergenerational choir Fire Ensemble, and more.
"It means a lot. I think it means that this is a chance of reflection, but also, hopefully, sparking some action. And sometimes what action means is just connecting with people," said Coco Killingsworth, BAM's chief experience and impact officer. "We're particularly excited this year because we have kind of a twist on what we've done in the past, where we usually have a choir and a musical performance. And this year we're combining those and really bringing the audience in."
BAM event brings inspiration
Hundreds packed BAM for performances, reflection and inspiration.
"All things begin on a dream. Maybe you have a dream, or you parents have dream for you," LaNier said.
She was among the Little Rock Nine, the first group of Black students who courageously integrated an Arkansas High School in 1957 after a Supreme Court's ruling declared segregation in schools unconstitutional. Their entry was met with intense resistance, and mobs.
"Getting into school was half the battle. A year like no other for the nine of us. Wasn't just hard for us - especially hard for our parents, who lost their jobs, had to leave town... who suffered because we were the first Black students at Central," LaNier said.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to ensure their safety, making them symbols of the fight for equality.
Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke to the crowd, urging New Yorkers to continue that fight.
"Dr. King said this life's most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others? It's simple, but the time for asking the questions is over. It's time to do something for others," Hochul said.
That message was embraced by attendees, who reflected on King's importance.
"He did a lot when he was a young person. It's important for young people to see if they can make that kind of change," attendee Tene Howard said.
"He had nonviolence principles, and that helped him to be the person he was," one young person said.
Organizers hoped the tribute reminds both children and adults they have a role to play in fulfilling Dr. King's dream of equality and justice.
Other MLK Day events held
The UJA-Federation of New York held its annual MLK Day of Service in several locations across the five boroughs, plus on Long Island and in Westchester County.
Over the weekend, a long list of state and city officials joined Rev. Al Sharpton for the annual Martin Luther King Day Public Policy Forum at the National Action Network. Sharpton will be attending the MLK Day march in Washington, D.C. this year.
The nonprofit Jersey Cares expects 1,800 volunteers to participate in its two-day Jersey Cares Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event. The nonprofit is organizing multiple volunteer opportunities, including several virtual project options.
Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968 when he was just 39 years old. The civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Price winner known for his nonviolent approach and speeches, including, "I Have a Dream," would have been 96 years old Monday.
Sweet sounds of jazz carry MLK's messages on Long Island
Volunteers told CBS News New York there is more work to do to honor service.
Inside the Long Island Children's Museum, there was a sound-fest. MLK Jr. believed jazz to be the perfect soundtrack for civil rights, the ability to take the hardest realities of life and put them to music so to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph.
We must continue to work on the bright spots in MLK Jr.'s name, said Pastor Curtis Thompson, who was joined by students from Elmont High School.
"They could be home sleeping in, but they are out here," Thompson said.
"They have that fire in their belly. They want to give back. They want to make the world a better place," state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.
Kids brought their dads and moms for a day of community outreach.
"We are role models, as parents, to our children, so we have come out to support" said Theodora Ridley, of PTSA Elmont.
In Wyandanch, people of all faiths came together to collect and deliver donations in honor of Dr. King.
"It's about his dream, keeping it alive, through work, volunteering, giving, and just unity," said Noelle Campbell of the Ryan Outreach Center.
"Now more than ever before we need to bring communities that sometimes feel like they live in silos to work together," said Sepi Djavaheri of the UJA Federation of New York.
"Think about those who are behind you, with you, and in front of you," added Lorica Michel, a Wyandanch Honor Society volunteer.
Dr. King once said, "To hew out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope," meaning to move on from setbacks and celebrate successes.
"And even if he was thrown to jail, he came back up and tried again," one 7-year-old said.
Bumps lie ahead, but the mission remains to push forward, step by step.
