Day: January 15, 2025

Brooklyn is gearing up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a jam-packed lineup of events that honor the civil rights icon and bring the community together.

From soul-stirring gospel performances to hands-on service projects, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while reflecting on King’s vision of equality and justice. Whether you’re looking to roll up your sleeves or sit back and be inspired, these events are a great way to connect with neighbors and celebrate the spirit of the day.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. in Crown Heights
Jan. 19-20, Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All ages
$15

Celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects! This year’s festival features interactive shadow puppet performances created by Nehprii Amenii, music and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch, Our Skin storytime with author Megan Madison, and community art-making projects. On Monday, Jan. 20, Repair the World will also organize a volunteer service project to give back to the community.

MLK Day Sunset Park Street Tree Care

Sunset Park, 4200 7th Ave. in Sunset Park
Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to noon
All ages
Free

Join NYC Parks Stewardship to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and care for local street trees! Volunteers will learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees and the important roles they play in New York City.

39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave. in Fort Greene
Monday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.
All ages
Free

Join BAM and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso for New York City’s largest celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s tribute features a keynote address from civil rights icon Carlotta Walls LaNier, a stunning solo dance performance by Kiri Moore of Ailey II, and an uplifting performance by The Fire Ensemble. Additional family-friendly activities, including interactive workshops and a screening of Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, round out this inspiring day. Seating is first-come, first-served, with doors opening at 8 a.m. Visit BAM.org for a more details.

BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day: If You Can’t Be the Sun, Be a Star!

BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., East New York
Monday, Jan. 20, 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Ages 5-12
Free

This family-friendly program, co-curated with the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle, immerses young people in art forms that express the importance of acts of service and collaborative work, while knowing that your best doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Activities include imaginative movement, creating a collaborative tape mural, celebrating friendship and family in a vintage photo booth, and sharing inspirational messages. Guided by a diverse group of artists, kids will express creativity and build community, while learning about Dr. King’s life and mission.

23rd Annual Spirit of Hope Concert

Brooklyn Music School, 126 St. Felix St. in Fort Greene
Monday, Jan. 20, 6-7 p.m.
All ages
Free

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Brooklyn Music School at its 23rd Annual Spirit of Hope Concert. This free event features inspiring performances by the BMS Faculty Jazz Band and talented student performers, honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy through music. Donations are welcome to support this historic celebration. Don’t miss this uplifting tribute!

Brooklyn firefighters battled an intense fire on Wednesday morning that injured 16 people — including three residents left in critical condition.

The two-alarm inferno broke out inside 65 Bay 19th St. in Bath Beach at about 6:15 a.m. on Jan. 15.

Fire Department sources said units from Battalion 42 arrived on the scene to find heavy fire emanating from the first floor of the six-story dwelling, with residents trapped inside. 

Working quickly, firefighters were able to access the apartment and pulled out one adult and two children in a second-floor hallway who had been critically injured in the fire. The three victims were turned over to paramedics, who rendered aid and rushed them to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Complicating the firefighting efforts, according to FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Joseph Duggan, the Brooklyn borough commander, were heavy smoke and high heat from the fire, which was allowed to spread to the second floor thanks to open doors. 

“The smoke condition was heavy and going up the stairwells,” Duggan said. “If you leave the fire door open, that causes all sorts of problems. Not only for the apartment directly involved, but for your neighbors.”

Meanwhile, residents in the other areas of the building that were not on fire either opened windows and hung their heads out, or scrambled to flee with their children, pets and whatever belongings they could gather.

Six firefighters were also injured in the blaze along with seven residents. Each of them was treated for minor injuries.

Using three hose lines to knock down the main body of fire, FDNY personnel were able to bring the blaze under control at about 7:59 a.m. Wednesday. The FDNY Marshals are now investigating the exact cause.

The fire was the second such incident to hit Bath Beach in four days. On Sunday, firefighters put out a fire that gutted a vacant home on Cropsey Avenue. No injuries were reported in that incident.