News
Ailey II adds dance to BAM’s MLK 39th birthday repertoire
Music has always been integral to Brooklyn Academy’s annual commemmoration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
Regularly spotlighting choruses from Harlem and the borough, choirs provide the gospel for a lively program which integrates civic and cultural tributes to America’s best-known civil and human rights advocate.
Regularly spotlighting choruses from Harlem and the borough, choirs provide the gospel for a lively program which integrates civic and cultural tributes to America’s best-known civil and human rights advocate.
This holiday’s presentation adds Ailey 2 Dance to its diverse repertoire marking the 39th anniversary of its national attraction.
It’s been 56 years since the April 4, 1968 assassination of the revered activist who was born on Jan. 15, 1929.
It’s been 56 years since the April 4, 1968 assassination of the revered activist who was born on Jan. 15, 1929.
Sadly, Dr. King died at age 39 from a sniper’s bullet when he was shot in Memphis, Tennessee. Among a myriad of accomplishments he amassed at that time included prediction of his own demise,
Four years had passed since he won the Nobel Peace Prize.
It was an historic achievement because he was the youngest man to ever receive the coveted honor.
Perhaps that’s why on Jan. 20, spoken word, music, film and dance will laud the martyred exemplar who contributed to advancing America’s quest for perfection.
Along with inspiring message from civic leaders, elected officials and prominent citizens, the free, multi-media tribute also promise a keynote address from poet Reginald Dwayne Betts.
Along with inspiring message from civic leaders, elected officials and prominent citizens, the free, multi-media tribute also promise a keynote address from poet Reginald Dwayne Betts.
In addition to the solo dance tribute, Troy Anthony will compliment the performance by leading The Fire Ensemble choir in a rousing medley of melodic accompaniment.
A film at 1 p.m. titled Ernest Cole: Lost & Found is expected to complete the day’s itinerary.
Regardless of the weather, patrons always seem prepared to spend the holiday reflecting the legacy of the only American whose name merits a day off from regular activities.
Regardless of the weather, patrons always seem prepared to spend the holiday reflecting the legacy of the only American whose name merits a day off from regular activities.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a ceremony to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, U.S. Jan. 4, 2025.REUTERS/Ken Cedeno
Fannie Lou Hamer Named For Medal of FreedomAs the presidency of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. ebbs to conclusion, the 46th Commander-in-chief has named civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer among a list of deserving awardees of The Medal of Freedom honor.
“For the final time as president, I have the honor of restoring the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who gave up their sacred air to shape the cause of America,” President Biden said.
“So let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you thank you for all you’ve done to help.”
In a ceremony held at the White House on Jan. 4 to honor 19 distinguished recipients, the leader named Hamer, a fierce and defiant activist who “transformed the struggle for racial justice in America.”
In a ceremony held at the White House on Jan. 4 to honor 19 distinguished recipients, the leader named Hamer, a fierce and defiant activist who “transformed the struggle for racial justice in America.”
Adding that “she challenged the exclusion of Black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act,” his statement amplified the relentless dedication the Mississipi native invested in reforming a racist system of Black exclusion.
Hamer who served as a delegate from that Jim Crow state defied the wishes of President Lyndon Baines Johnson by voicing her purpose. Her dissenting action irked the politician who allegedly feared reprisals from his southern supporters. But the determined desegregationist, Black southerner forged an alignment to her cause to become the outspoken Black woman acclaimed for voicing dissent by saying ‘I’m sick of being sick and tired of being sick and tired.’
Those words became the epitaph on her tombstone in Ruleville, Mississippi where she was born Oct. 6, 1917 and died in the county on March 14, 1977.
And while the bi-partisan gathering of diverse recipients lauded exemplary service of deserving individuals, President Biden must be hailed for acknowledging and recognizing the fearless activist.
And while the bi-partisan gathering of diverse recipients lauded exemplary service of deserving individuals, President Biden must be hailed for acknowledging and recognizing the fearless activist.
His final decision to honor these Americans speak to the character of the one-term leader who dedicated almost half a century to enhancing the lives of Americans.
The distinguished list include: posthumous honors to Hamer, Robert Francis Kennedy, (the father of junior namesake politician RFK Jr. who established the tradition in 1963): former Michigan Gov. George Romney, actor Denzel Washington, soccer star Lionel Messi, fashion moguls Ana Wintour and Ralph Lauren, pop singer and U2 bandleader Bono, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actor Michael J. Fox, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton among others,
The distinguished list include: posthumous honors to Hamer, Robert Francis Kennedy, (the father of junior namesake politician RFK Jr. who established the tradition in 1963): former Michigan Gov. George Romney, actor Denzel Washington, soccer star Lionel Messi, fashion moguls Ana Wintour and Ralph Lauren, pop singer and U2 bandleader Bono, basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, actor Michael J. Fox, as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton among others,
After presentation of the prestigious medal, seven soldiers were inducted into Pentagon Hall of Heroes.
All but one — Pfc. Kenneth J. David — served in the Korean War and and are deceased but were represented by family members.
David the only surviving soldier served in the Vietnam War and personally accepted the high honor wearing a military uniform.
All but one — Pfc. Kenneth J. David — served in the Korean War and and are deceased but were represented by family members.
David the only surviving soldier served in the Vietnam War and personally accepted the high honor wearing a military uniform.
“It’s incredibly powerful to hear these seven stories of sheer bravery and sacrifice,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said who conducted the induction said.
“The soldiers whom we honor cone from different communities and from different parts of the country.”
Some, he said could trace their roots in the US for generations. He emphasized that some were children of immigrants.
“The soldiers whom we honor cone from different communities and from different parts of the country.”
Some, he said could trace their roots in the US for generations. He emphasized that some were children of immigrants.
Others, her added were descendants of slaves.
Catch You On The Inside!
