Photo: Courtesy of the estate of John C. Goodwin
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. forged a meaningful bond with New York City through the 1950s and 60s as he visited several times at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. While delivering some of his most impactful speeches right here in New York City, he also fostered connections with local activists committed to driving change. In addition to Harlem, where the city has honored King by naming a part of 125th Street after him, his influence extends to several other parts of the city as well.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 15), you can immerse yourself in King's legacy by exploring the places that held special significance for him and attending events dedicated to honoring the prolific civil rights leader. From historical sites honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s achievements to celebrations and events tied to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, read on to discover some of the best places to visit for MLK Day in New York City.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statue, Harlem
Photo: Danielle O'Neill
You’ll find NYC’s sculptural memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. standing proudly along the Harlem River. This bronze bust of King was erected two years after his assassination in 1970 by prominent artist and radio host Stan Sawyer and includes key excerpts from King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech engraved on its stone pedestal. The statue makes an excellent starting point to get inspired for your walking tour through Harlem.
North corner of 147th St. between Seventh Ave. and Malcolm X Blvd.
Riverside Church, Morningside Heights
Nestled on the outskirts of Morningside Heights, Riverside Church served as the poignant backdrop for one of King's most influential speeches. In this 1967 address, titled "Beyond Vietnam — A Time to Break Silence,” he vehemently condemned the Vietnam War, urging an end to the bombings. The speech received unfavorable coverage from The New York Times and The Washington Post, both suggesting that King’s words “diminished his usefulness to his cause, to his country, and to his people”— even so, King remained steadfast in his advocacy against the war.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Riverside Church will host a concert featuring Broadway Inspirational Voices, celebrating King’s legacy through soulful hymns and uplifting gospel songs. This event requires tickets for attendance, offering both in-person and virtual options, taking place on Sunday, January 14th. Whether you decide to participate in the event or not, it's highly recommended to visit during their operating hours from Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, to experience the breathtaking beauty of the church. Find event details here.
490 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10027, trcnyc.org
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem
Photo: Danielle O'Neill
Just a few blocks south of the MLK statue you will find the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, an extensive facility which is part of the New York City Public Library system and showcases material related to the experiences of African Americans and other members of the African diaspora.
Open to the public and free of charge to enter, Schomburg offers a wealth of information for those seeking a deeper understanding of the cultural climate during King's time in Harlem. The real treasures can be found in the library downstairs, where there are hundreds of books already pulled for the public. While browsing their selection I found When Harlem Nearly Killed King: The 1958 Stabbing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which details an incident in which King was nearly stabbed to death during a book signing and treated at the Harlem Hospital, located just across the street from the Schomburg Center.
15 Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10037, nypl.org/locations/schomburg
Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem
Photo: Danielle O'Neill
Dr. King was invited to preach at Abyssinian Baptist Church in 1965 for the facility’s 157th anniversary. An institution during the Civil Rights Movement, Abyssinian was once home to the largest African-American congregation in New York City and the largest Baptist congregation in the world. While visiting this gothic NYC landmark, be sure to take a stroll down Strivers Row just a block away to view some of the most beautiful townhouses in Harlem—once home to the most affluent Black New Yorkers during the Harlem Renaissance.
132 W 138th St., New York, NY 10030, abyssinian.org
United Nations, Midtown East
Photo: Flickr/Rick Bajornas
Just outside the United Nations in April 1967, King delivered an anti-Vietnam speech, addressing 125,000 peaceful demonstrators who marched from Central Park to the United Nations plaza. Regarding the war in Vietnam, he said, “I come to participate in this significant demonstration today because my conscience leaves me no other choice. I join you in this mobilization because I cannot be a silent onlooker while evil rages. I am here because I agree with Dante, that: ‘The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.’ In these days of emotional tension, when the problems of the world are gigantic in extent and chaotic in detail, there is no greater need than for sober thinking, mature judgment, and creative dissent.” Watch the full video of King’s UN speech here.
While there are no events at this location on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you can visit the location where this speech was given and enjoy a stroll around the stately riverside plaza and wander the picturesque avenues nearby.
405 E. 45th St. New York, NY 10017, un.org/visit
Carnegie Hall, Midtown
Photo: Flickr/Joe Goldberg
Take a step inside one of the most iconic concert halls in New York City, known for hosting numerous events in the 1960s featuring prominent civil rights speakers such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington. This historic venue also hosted events supporting King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), many organized by the Rat Pack (Sammy Davis Jr. was a civil rights activist and a close friend of King).
Additionally, Carnegie Hall holds significance as the site where King served as the commemorative speaker during W.E.B. Du Bois's 100th birthday tribute on February 23, 1968. King said, “Dr. DuBois has left us, but he has not died. The spirit of freedom is not buried in the grave of the valiant.” Just a few weeks later, King was assassinated in Memphis, making this appearance at Carnegie Hall one of his final speeches.
Although the venue is not hosting an MLK event this year, you can sign up for a 40-minute walking tour to view the beautiful space and feel the magnitude of King speaking here. Schedule a tour here.
881 7th Ave., New York, NY 10019, carnegiehall.org
Sony Hall, Midtown
Photo: Sony Hall
Enjoy a program of stirring and uplifting music from the most prestigious gospel singers in the country at Sony Hall (located in the Theater District's Paramount Hotel) during a a matinee show celebrating MLK’s legacy. The Harlem Gospel Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey following a moving celebration honoring King at Harlem's Cotton Club. Today, the choir features talent from churches in and around the New York area. Find tickets here.
235 W 46th St., New York, NY 10036, sonyhall.com
Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene
Photo: Danielle O'Neill
It isn’t documented that King visited the Brooklyn Academy of Music, but a trip to Fort Greene, Brooklyn is worth the visit for the arts organization’s 38th annual MLK tribute event. This free celebration will feature live performances, speeches, and a free screening of Rustin, a biopic about civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, whose own prominent legacy included years as a close advisor to King. There will also be kid and family-friendly events presented by BAMkids. RSVP here.
30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217, bam.org
