Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events 2024

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events 2023
Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Jan. 15 this year. Honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with these events around New York.

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Manhattan

MoMA MLK Family Day

The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown West
Saturday, Jan. 13, 1 – 4 pm
Ages 6 and older
Free
Advanced registration required

Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by learning, creating, and volunteering as a family.

Learn about MLK’s relationship to climate justice with Ki Gross from Woke Kindergarten, design and build a model of a structure to improve your community, and take action by packaging hygiene kits for unhoused neighbors with Repair the World. 

The Movement

Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2 pm & 7 pm; Monday, Jan. 15, 1 pm & 4:30 pm.
All ages
$15

This poignant a cappella musical brings to life the 1963 Children’s Crusade, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement.

Studio Art Session: Dream Collage Books

The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave., Upper East Side
Sunday, Jan. 14, 12 – 3 pm
Ages 3 and older
Free with Museum Admission: $8-$18; free for ages 18 and younger.

Use collage to create a dream book that incorporates the words of Martin Luther King Jr. with images that inspire peace and beauty. 

WNYC & The Apollo present Apollo Uptown Hall: The Inconvenient King

Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th St., New York City, NY 10027, Harlem
Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 pm
Ages 12 and older
Free
Advanced registration required

The Apollo partners with WNYC in the 18th annual celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy on the culture.

This year’s presentation focuses on a renewed commitment to understanding the context, confronting the complexity, and elevating our collective consciousness in the face of injustice and discrimination.

NPR’s Notes from America host, Kai Wright moderates the first hour of this year’s celebration. Music, spoken word and other forms of creative expression round out the afternoon.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jackie Robinson Museum, 75 Varick St., SoHo
Monday, Jan. 15, 12 – 3 pm
All ages
 $15-$18; free for children younger than 5

Learn about Jackie Robinson and Dr. King’s close friendship and their collaboration during landmark campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement.

Join one of the guided museum tours showcasing stories and artifacts representing Jackie Robinson and Dr. King’s collaboration, learn about the significance of key songs and musical styles to the Robinson family and the Movement, and Speak Out! through hands-on craft activities for all ages.

Plus, win prizes at the trivia game and museum scavenger hunt.

The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee

Sony Hall, 235 W 46th St, Midtown
Monday, Jan. 15, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
All ages
$28

The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir presents the finest singers and musicians from Harlem’s Black Churches and the New York/Tri-State area.

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 Harlem Gospel Choir has shared its message of love and inspiration with thousands of people from various nations and cultures and will touch the depths of your soul and lift your spirit to angelic heights, with sounds that are unfettered, joyous, and inspirational.

MLK I Have A Dream Workshop

The Craft Studio, 1657 3rd Ave., Upper East Side
Monday, Jan. 15, 4 – 5 pm
All ages
$50

Kids will engage in a thoughtful conversation as they craft on kindness, dreams they have for making the world a better place, and craft a multimedia diorama with their adaptation of a world full of love and celebrating their individuality.

Little New-Yorkers: Let Freedom Sing

New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side
Friday, Jan. 19, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Ages 3-6
Free with museum admission: $6-$24; free for children younger than 5.

The New-York Historical Society celebrates Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday by reading Let Freedom Sing written and illustrated by Vanessa Newton.

This story uses the song “This Little Light of Mine” to tell the story of the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Sing along, and afterwards, create a dove paper airplane with a special message to share MLK’s words of love and hope.

Bronx

Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend

Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Riverdale
Jan. 13-14, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $10; $6 students 18+ & seniors 65+; $4 children 6–18; free for children younger than 6 and members

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established.

The bold patterns and bright colors of these now-famous quilts made from fabric scraps would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own fabric collage to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. 

Riverdale Y MLK Day of Service: Rise Against Hunger

The Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 Arlington Ave., Riverhead
Monday, Jan. 15, 8 am – 1 pm
Ages 3 to 13 with a chaperone, ages 14 and above welcome without an adult present. 
Free

Pack 20,000 lbs. of meals to address food insecurity locally and globally. 

Brooklyn

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Crown Heights
Jan. 14-15, Sunday and Monday, 10 am – 5 pm
Ages 12 and younger
$15; free for BCM members.

Celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects.

Each day of the festival features shadow puppet performances produced by Nehprii Amenii, music and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch, community art-making projects, and more.

BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day 2024: Small Things in Great Ways

BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Boerum Hill
Monday, Jan. 15, 11:30 am – 12:45 pm, 1:30 – 2:45 pm & 3 – 4:15 pm.
Ages 6 and older
Free
Advanced registration required

BAMkids pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through a tapestry of engaging activities that echo his message about the importance of small acts in fostering change and unity.

From a spoken word performance, to creating a community song, to contributing to a collaborative CommUNITY Banner, and more, symbolizing a commitment to making positive community changes. 

MLK I Have A Dream Workshop

The Craft Studio, 295 Atlantic Ave., Crown Heights
Monday, Jan. 15, 4 – 5 pm
All ages
$50

Kids will engage in a thoughtful conversation as they craft on kindness, dreams they have for making the world a better place, and craft a multimedia diorama with their adaptation of a world full of love and celebrating their individuality.

Teen Time: MLK Facts and What’s Your Dream?

Canarsie Library, 1580 Rockaway Pkwy. at Ave. J, Canarsie
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 3:30 – 5 pm
Ages 13-18
Free

Compete for extra snacks and learn about MLK Jr. Then engage in some journaling and brainstorming about the world of your dreams.

Queens

Celebrating MLK: Crafternoon- Peace Doves

Queens Public Library- North Forest Park, 98-27 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills
Tuesday, Jan. 9, 3 – 3:45 pm
Ages 6-11
Free

Make paper peace doves in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Celebrating MLK: STEM- Discovering Black Scientists

Queens Public Library- North Hills, 57-04 Marathon Pkwy, Little Neck
Friday, Jan. 12, 2:30 – 3:15 pm
Ages 6-11
Free

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, explore the contributions Black scientists have made to society through a hands-on project.

Celebrating MLK: Storytime And Craft

Queens Public Library- Flushing, 41-17 Main Street, Flushing
Friday, Jan. 12, 4 – 4:45 pm
Ages 6-11
Free

Enjoy a story time about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and do a craft. 

MLK Day 2024 at Museum of the Moving Image

Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Avenue, Astoria
Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 – 5 pm; Monday, Jan. 15, 1 – 4 pm.
All ages
Free with museum admission: $10–20; free for members.
Celebrate the birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a talk, tours, media-making activities, and more.

Celebrating MLK: Celebrating What Makes You Special

Queens Public Library – Briarwood, 85-12 Main Street, Briarwood
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 3 – 3:45 pm
Ages 6-11
Free

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by creating your own vision board on what makes you special.

Staten Island

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Sticker and Button Making

West New Brighton Library, 975 Castleton Ave., West Brighton
Thursday, Jan. 11, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Ages 12-18
Free

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join the library for a program in which you will use the Teen Center Cameo Silhouette cutter and button maker to make your own custom Dr. MLK Jr. stickers and buttons.

MLK Day of Service: Snug Harbor Coastal Cleanup

Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Snug Harbor North Gate on Richmond Terrace, St. George
Monday, Jan. 15, 1 – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required

Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to protect coastal areas at Snug Harbor. Help remove debris from the coastline creating a healthier ecosystem. A chaperone must accompany volunteers under 18. 

Long Island

Be an Upstander

Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills
Monday, Jan. 15, 9:30 am – 2 pm
All ages
Free

Honor the life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. through service. With help from local experts, learn more about bias, bullying, and hate in our community and how, like Dr. King, we can show up to stop it.

Highlights of this day of service include an educational breakfast, hands on assembly projects, film screenings, a blood drive, food drive, clothing drive, shoe drive, and much more!

There will be events for all ages and will make a lasting impact here in the community. Through service we are living out Dr. King’s dream.

Sharing Kindness

Friedberg JCC, 15 Neil Court, Oceanside
Monday, Jan. 15, 10 am – 1 pm
All ages
Free

Join the Friedberg JCC for a multifaceted Day of Service for all ages.

Make soup to be delivered to the hungry, create kindness kits containing travel-sized toiletries, snacks, water, and socks (items frequently needed by individuals experiencing homelessness or financial insecurity), and learn about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Children will decorate kindness rocks and help paint a kindness mural in the JCC.

AdvoKids: Freedom Ring with MLK

Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City
Monday, Jan. 15, 11 am & 1 pm.
Ages 5 and older
Admission $17 plus plus $4 or $3 LICM members. 

During this workshop visitors will learn about MLK beyond his I Have a Dream speech and gain a better understanding of his impact on the Civil Rights Movement.

Visitors will also participate in a gallery walk of images from the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors will then create a bell to “let freedom ring.”

Dream Big! Thank You, Dr. King!

Long Beach Public Library, 111 West Park Ave., Long Beach
Monday, Jan. 15, 1 – 1:45 pm
Ages 3-12
Free
Registration is Encouraged

Join the library for a celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they read a book about the man himself and work together to show our Big Dreams! Work on a communal mural for the Youth Services Art Gallery that shows our hopes and dreams for the future!

Rockland/Bergen

I Have A Dream Day

Valley Cottage Library, 110 NY-303, Valley Cottage
Monday, Jan. 15, 12 – 3 pm
All ages
Free

Celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and see local artist, Medjine Antoine, paint a portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr., enjoy live music by the Andrew Lamb Trio, and children will make a peace heart craft. Cider and cookies will be served.

Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Vision in Action

The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St. Newark
Monday, Jan. 15, 12 – 5 pm
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required

A celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, his teachings of social justice, and service to the community. This year’s Community Day features uplifting performances, hands-on activities, and opportunities to help others. There’s something for the whole family! 

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New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Summer Game Camp</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including –</p> <p dir="ltr">- Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch!</p> <p dir="ltr">- A digital campus!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Moderated chat hours!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons & Dragons</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons & Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons & Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Dungeons & Dragons Junior</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons & Dragons games. Our Dungeons & Dragons Jr. game provides a D&D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&D so they can eventually move onto the main game.</p>

A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>

TADA! Youth Theater

<div> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TADA! Youth Theater Summer Camps (July 10-August 25, 2023)</strong> Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! TADA! is excited to be back in person with our popular Week-long Musical Theater Summer Camps!  Every week your child will:</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <ul> <li>ENGAGE IN MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING</li> <li>CREATE, REHEARSE & PERFORM AN ORIGINAL MINI- MUSICAL</li> <li>EXPLORE THEIR INTERESTS AND IDENTITY</li> <li>SHARE THEIR VOICE AND BE HEARD</li> <li>RECEIVE INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION AND SOLO OPPORTUNITIES</li> <li>EXPERIENCE ENSEMBLE-BASED INSTRUCTION BY TWO PROFESSIONAL NYC TEACHING ARTISTS</li> <li>MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH NEW FRIENDS</li> </ul> On the last day of camp, we invite friends and family to attend the debut of your child’s original mini-musical!<br /> <p> </p> <p dir="ltr">Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in-person at 15 W. 28th Street (between Broadway & 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience.  </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>For more info or to register for our Summer Camps, visit our website <a href="https://tadatheater.com/summercamps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/summercamps/&source=gmail&ust=1682524227382000&usg=AOvVaw1jPPuT0S0YVPJg0I1oXofv">HERE!</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Looking for a sample class before registering?</strong> Join us Saturday, June 3rd for an in-person sample class, Q&A, and the best discount of the summer!  Registration required to attend! </p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><strong>For more info. or to register for our Summer Open house, click <a href="https://tadatheater.com/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/open-house/&source=gmail&ust=1682524227382000&usg=AOvVaw2CheiFLQooj66wqzmTeKCc">HERE!</a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><strong>No child should be turned away because of their inability to pay. </strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://tadatheater.com/financial-assistance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/financial-assistance/&source=gmail&ust=1682524227382000&usg=AOvVaw1-oTxJlL31iv2yEG3kUDrj">Financial Assistance available. </a></strong></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Questions?</strong></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></strong></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>