Apollo Uptown Hall – Hear Our Voices, Count Our Votes: MLK’s March Continues In celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, WNYC’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration will return to the Apollo Theater for a special edition of the Apollo’s Uptown Hall series, which brings together Harlem audiences with scholars, community leaders, and activists to engage in conversation about King’s legacy and how his teachings affect us today. This year’s event explores the 50 years since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. WNYC’s Brian Lehrer will co-host this event with MSNBC’s Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry as they guide us through the past half-century and explore the significant moments leading to today’s democratic landscape in America. Sunday, January 18, 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Matinee by the Harlem Gospel Choir at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill For well over a decade, the Harlem Gospel Choir has brought its experience of Harlem and the Black Church to New York’s Times Square in a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, joyous gospel show. The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most renowned gospel choir in America and a preeminent gospel choir worldwide. It travels the globe, sharing the joy of faith through its music and raising funds for children’s charities. The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Cotton Club in Harlem. The Choir presents the finest singers and musicians from Harlem’s Black Churches and the New York/Tri-State area. The Harlem Gospel Choir has shared its message of love and inspiration with thousands of people from various nations and cultures. The Choir strives to make the world a more loving and peaceful place, and through its music and dynamic performances create a better understanding of the African-American culture and the inspirational music called gospel as it relates to the Black Church. The theme of every performance is “bringing people and nations together and giving something back.” The Harlem Gospel Choir’s songs of gospel and inspiration will touch the depths of your soul and lift your spirit to angelic heights, with sounds that are unfettered, joyous, and inspirational. With every performance, the Choir shares the renaissance of Harlem’s culture with the audience. Every performance will take your breath away! Monday, January 19, 11:30 a.m.
Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For the 29th year, BAM hosts New York City’s largest public celebration of the great civil rights leader. This year’s main event features a keynote address by author, professor, and activist Dr. Cornel West, with musical performances by Sandra St. Victor & Oya’s Daughter and the New York Fellowship Mass Choir. Following the morning events, West will sign copies of The Radical King, his new collection of King’s writings, and Black Prophetic Fire, a collection of dialogues on black leaders between West and scholar Christa Buschendorf. Monday, January 19. Tickets distributed first come, first seated, starting at 8 a.m.