BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso are proud to present the 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., New York’s largest celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. King. Featuring a keynote address by civil rights activist Carlotta Walls LaNier, a powerful solo by Ailey II dancer Kiri Moore, and an intergenerational performance by the Fire Ensemble, this free annual event will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Howard Gilman Opera House at BAM (Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave.), bringing together artists, activists and community leaders to present Dr. Honoring King’s perseverance message of justice and unity.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Carlotta Walls LaNier, a civil rights icon who became the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine at just 14 years old. Her courage to desegregate Central High School in 1957 marked a turning point in American history. In her inspiring speech, Ms. LaNier will reflect on her journey, encouraging the audience to remain vigilant in the fight for equality and reminding us of the power of resilience and collective action.

The tribute will also include an excerpt from “Divining,” performed by Kiri Moore of Ailey II, celebrating the legacy of Dr. King is honored through the transformative power of dance. Divining is a groundbreaking 1984 work choreographed by the late Judith Jamison, a pioneering figure in modern dance and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In her autobiography, “Dancing Spirit,” Jamison described fortune-telling as “mysterious, the title suggesting a quest or search”—a theme deeply associated with Dr. King’s path to justice and equality is linked.

The inspiring program is complemented by a rousing performance by the Fire Ensemble, an intergenerational choral community led by founding creative director and composer Troy Anthony. Focusing on BIPOC and queer voices, Fire Ensemble blends gospel, soul and musical theater traditions to create music that uplifts and unites. In the spirit of unity and inclusion, the choir welcomes public participation and invites community members to raise their voices and participate in this powerful celebration of Dr. King to attend. For more information about participating in the Tribute with The Fire Ensemble, visit BAM.org.

In addition to the tribute, BAM will be offering free events throughout the day to honor Dr. To continue to celebrate King’s impact. BAMkids presents If You Can’t Be the Sun, Be a Star!, a family-friendly program co-curated with the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle. This event features interactive activities such as mural making, a vintage photo booth, and movement workshops, all designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and reflection on Dr. To inspire King’s life and mission.

At 1 p.m., BAM Rose Cinemas will screen Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, a documentary that introduces audiences to the groundbreaking work of Ernest Cole, a South African photographer who captured life under apartheid. This performance reintroduces his powerful legacy to new generations and sparks meaningful conversations about justice and resilience.

As part of this year’s celebration of Dr. King, sisters Itiya Mason and Amalya Mason, current BAM Education participants and ensemble members of BAM’s Arts & Justice program, will serve as Citizens Youth Speakers. These young women represent the transformative power of arts education in amplifying the voices of young people and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Your participation reflects BAM and Citizens’ shared commitment to fostering leadership and creativity while providing Dr. To honor King’s legacy of advocacy and hope.

This free annual event is open to everyone. Tribute cards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. in the lobby of the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. For more information, visit BAM.org.