
Explore how New York City commemorates Dr. King’s enduring impact with events, tributes, and opportunities for community service, brought to you by Votra Magazine.
“We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Today marks the 39th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day dedicated to honoring the civil rights leader’s profound impact on equality, justice, and community service. In New York City, this day is celebrated through inspiring events, volunteer opportunities, and art that pays tribute to his enduring legacy. Whether you’re participating in activities or visiting memorials, there are countless ways to reflect on Dr. King’s vision for a better future.
Dr. King’s famous words, from his “I Have a Dream” speech, resonate across generations: a call for unity, justice, and hope. His leadership during the Civil Rights Movement transformed America, and his message continues to inspire movements for equality worldwide. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamt that all inhabitants of the United States would be judged by their personal qualities and not by the colour of their skin. In April 1968 he was murdered by a white racist just four years after receiving the peace prize for his nonviolent campaign against racism.
In New York City, you can celebrate his legacy by attending events and contributing to causes that reflect his values of service, inclusion, and activism.
Events Honoring Dr. King in NYC
1. 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Join the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for one of the city’s largest MLK celebrations. This event features inspirational speeches, live musical performances, and family-friendly activities starting at 10:30 am. BAM has long been a hub for cultural and social dialogue, making this tribute a meaningful way to honor Dr. King.
Learn more: BAM MLK Tribute
2. Celebrate MLK Day at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
From 10 am to 5 pm, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (@bcmkids) hosts a day of art, community projects, and performances. Families can engage in hands-on activities that promote values of equality, kindness, and community building.
Learn more: Brooklyn Children’s Museum MLK Day
3. MLK Day of Service Coastal Clean-Up at Snug Harbor
Contribute to environmental stewardship by joining the MLK Day of Service Coastal Clean-Up at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden. From 1 pm to 3 pm, this event focuses on creating a cleaner, greener environment—a reflection of Dr. King’s belief in community responsibility.
Learn more: Snug Harbor MLK Day Events
Monuments and Tributes to Dr. King
Bronze Bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One of the city’s most striking tributes is a bronze bust of Dr. King, set on a granite plinth. The monument features an excerpt from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech alongside dedications to civil rights leaders. This memorial offers a serene space for reflection and serves as a permanent reminder of his enduring legacy.
Additional Monuments Across NYC
Visit other key locations in New York City, including the Riverside Church, where Dr. King delivered several powerful speeches, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which celebrates Black history and activism.
Why This Day Matters
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just about remembrance—it’s a call to action. As Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Participating in events, volunteering, and engaging in meaningful discussions help keep his dream alive.
New York City’s celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day embody the values he championed: unity, equality, and service. Whether attending the BAM MLK Tribute, volunteering at Snug Harbor, or exploring the city’s monuments, this day offers countless opportunities to honor his legacy.
Votra Magazine invites you to reflect on Dr. King’s message and contribute to building a world that aligns with his vision of justice and peace.