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MLK Day events include concerts, plays, volunteering and more

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2019 is being celebrated all over the city, via concerts, volunteer opportunities and more.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2019 is being celebrated all over the city, via concerts, volunteer opportunities and more. Photo Credit: Linda Rosier

Several venues and organizations will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of striving for racial equality with numerous programs on Monday.

There are plenty of ways to gather and remember King’s achievements — you can volunteer around the city, sit in for a discussion on his legacy or enjoy an uplifting concert.

Here’s what’s going on:

Brooklyn Tribute
BAM — Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave.
10:30 a.m. on Monday

In what is billed as the city’s largest public fest honoring King, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is holding this day of film, art and live music from Oddisee and the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir. Admission is free but it’s first come, first served.

“We Are Kings”
ARTs East New York, 534 Livonia Ave.
1 to 5 p.m. on Monday

The community cultural arts center is hosting an open house with free events and activities, including a healthy cooking workshop, an art brunch where you’ll create a painting inspired by King, a screening and discussion of “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” which is about the civil rights movement from the perspective of musicians. Admission is free, but register online.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday

Visit the “Activist New York” exhibition, an exploration of social activism in New York City across time, from the 17th century to the present, and create your own protest poster for an issue you want to see improved. Tickets to the museum are $18.

Harlem Gospel Choir: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee
Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St.
12:30 to 2 p.m. on Monday

The Harlem Gospel Choir is presenting a concert in honor of King, featuring inspirational and joyful songs that spread the message of love. Tickets range from $15 to $22.

“The Day Harlem Saved Dr. King”
Williams Institutional CME Church, 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
through 9:35 p.m. on Monday

Shades of Truth Theatre and Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group are performing a play about when he was nearly stabbed to death while visiting New York City in 1958. Tickets range from $18.50 to $35.

“Families Celebrate Africa: A Martin Luther King Day Event”
Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park West
3 to 5 p.m. on Monday

This fun-filled day for families includes African drawing lessons, songs about King’s life and dancers from JungleDom, who will give an African dance lesson. Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships for the society’s children classes and for its campaign for an accessibility ramp. Tickets are free for children under 2, $20 for children 2 to 12, and $5 ($10 at the door) for adults and teens.

“Celebrating Dr. King” celebration and open house
Brooklyn Center for the Arts, 28 Madison St.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday

The center will hold a breakfast and giveaway before 10 a.m. and present live music, food, games, a talent show, art performances, arts and crafts workshops and an MLK essay contest. Admission is free.

MLK Jr. Day art-making workshop
Highbridge Rec Center, 2301 Amsterdam Ave.
10 a.m. to noon on Monday

Work on a project inspired by modern and contemporary artists in honor of King and his work. No art experience needed.

Day of Service with the Parks Department

Honor King’s legacy by coming together for a national day of service at the following places: