Cultural institutions across New York City are commemorating the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events on January 15, 2024, marking the annual holiday dedicated to his contributions to racial justice. This year’s observance comes at a time when discussions around race and equality remain particularly pertinent, as the nation grapples with social and political issues.
In a poignant reminder of King’s enduring influence, the Studio Museum in Harlem will celebrate its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day in its newly reopened building. On January 15, the museum will offer free programming for visitors of all ages, including children’s storytime featuring works by authors and illustrators of African descent. The day will also include thematic art-making workshops and guided tours of the museum’s notable collections.
Family-Friendly Activities Across the City
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum will host a full day of activities from 10:00 to 17:00, featuring shadow puppetry, community service projects, and a special performance by Grammy-nominated musician and social justice advocate Harold “FYÜTCH” Simmons II. Tickets for this engaging event are priced at $15, making it an accessible option for families.
At Wave Hill in the Bronx, visitors can participate in a unique fabric collage activity in honor of King and the legacy of the Gee’s Bend quilters. This event will take place on January 14, from 10:00 to 13:00, and is inspired by a community of Black craftswomen who established the Freedom Quilting Bee cooperative after King visited Alabama in 1966. Admission to the event is free with general admission to Wave Hill.
The New York Historical Society will also engage families with a program inspired by King’s 1967 anti-war speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.” Scheduled for January 14 from 12:00 to 14:00, the event will feature a peace sign wall-hanging workshop and is included with museum admission.
Tributes and Performances
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) will host its 40th annual tribute to King on January 15, featuring a reading of his “Drum Major Instinct” sermon by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other community leaders. Children can participate in interactive movement activities and a letter-writing workshop during the event, which will also include a screening of the film Just Mercy (2019). Doors to this free public event will open at 08:00, although some activities may require prior registration.
These events reflect a commitment to honoring King’s legacy and fostering dialogue around race relations, echoing sentiments expressed by his wife, Coretta Scott King, who described the holiday as “a focal point for encouraging improved race relations.” As New Yorkers engage in these activities, they contribute to a broader conversation about equality and social justice, making this year’s observance particularly significant.
