The 31st annual birthday tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. promises another socially enlightening and soul-stirring platform hosted by BAM.
Slated for Jan. 16, this year, the Brooklyn tradition bills Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi as the keynote speaker.
“This annual tribute at BAM is New York’s largest event honoring Dr. King and his legacy,” Katy Clark, BAM president said.
“We gather to celebrate his message and its enduring value, and welcome those who have attended this resonant event for many years as well as those new to our community.”
Although only three years as a movement, Black Lives Matter started with a social media call-to-action coalition following the 2014 deaths of two African-American men — Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, and Eric Garner in Staten Island.
BLM became nationally known for its street demonstrations.
Its network now includes 30 local chapters nationwide.
The movement serves as a reminder that social justice is not a given, and the fight for equal treatment of all people should never rest. As the nation addresses issues raised during a polarizing election, Tometi’s message will be resonant and timely.
Beginning at 10:30 , Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams in his capacity as master of ceremony will introduce activists, musicians, and civic leaders to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Through a program dedicated to the memory of the Nobel laureate and Civil Rights martyr, BAM will also features music performances by The Campbell Brothers and The Institutional Radio Choir.
Following the spirited morning program, at 1 p.m., in the BAM Rose Cinemas (30 Lafayette Ave)the annual tradition of screening films depicting African-American struggle in America offers Ava DuVernay’s stirring documentary, “13th.”
Directed by Duvernay who has been acclaimed for presenting the Academy-award winning film “Selma” her “thought-provoking documentary,” showcases scholars, activists, and politicians in analysis of “the criminalization of African-Americans and the US prison boom.”
An art exhibition in Dyker Gallery begins on Jan. 13 and will continue thru Feb. 9 (2nd fl).
BAM presents “Picture the Dream,” a community art exhibition featuring works by students from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Atlantic Terminal Community Center.
BAMcafé Live kicks off the tribute in the Soul Science Lab on Jan 13 & 14 at 9 pm.
The Brooklyn-based music and multimedia duo will translate stories into soul-stirring sounds. Comprising Chen Lo and Asante’ Amin, Soul Science Lab’s mix of hip-hop/soul/jazz sounds will offer spiritually positive and uplifting messages.
The launch of a new book, “Frederick Douglass in Brooklyn” will also present a reading by Carl Hancock Rux with Commentary by Theodore Hammto on Jan 16 at 1pm in BAM Fisher Lower Lobby (321 Ashland Pl).
Free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to all the events.
For further information, call BAM Ticket Services at 718.636.4100 or visit BAM.org.
