The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Breakfast

The Christian Cultural Center Choir. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

On Monday morning, the building was abuzz for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute breakfast, an annual BAM event and the prelude to the largest celebration of Dr. King in New York City. The main lobby was packed well before the event began, and the energy was positive and celebratory. When 9AM rolled around, the crowd headed to the Lepercq Space to sit down to a buffet breakfast.

During the breakfast, remarks were given by BAM President Karen Hopkins; Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Target District Team Leader Kevin Bryant; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer; 35th District Brooklyn Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo; Assemblyman Walter Mosley and more.

Keep reading for more on the breakfast reception and Tribute!

Newly inaugurated Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams addresses the crowd at Monday's breakfast.
(Photo: Elena Olivo)

Afterward, the crowd moved to the Howard Gilman Opera House for several speeches on the legacy of Dr. King, including a particularly poignant keynote by Angela Davis. Davis is an activist, author, professor, and one of the most important voices in the ongoing struggle for social justice. The Tribute also featured inspired performances by José James and the Christian Cultural Center Choir.

Keynote speaker Angela Davis. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

Monday’s MLK Tribute was the 28th such celebration at BAM, and many say it was one of the best. BAM would like to thank its sponsors for the event, including Borough President Eric Adams, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, and Target, the event's long-standing presenting sponsor. Take a look at the pictures from the event here. Hope to see you there next year!

Councilwoman Letitia James and guests. (Photo: Elena Olivo)