MLK Day In NYC: Here's Where To Go

NEW YORK CITY — This Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federally recognized holiday commemorating the values that defined the American Civil Rights leader's character — justice, compassion, dignity, nonviolence and service.

Family-friendly events and volunteering opportunities scatter the boroughs this week and weekend, including activities like taking care of the local public trees in East Harlem, participating in a tribute to King at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and so much more.

Here's a list of things to do below.

Volunteer at Harlem's Clayton Williams Garden

What: Take care of a local, longstanding community garden in Harlem with your neighbors. Participants will take part in a variety of garden maintenance tasks, including cleaning up debris and spreading mulch, all in preparation for the upcoming growing season.

Where: 303 West 126th St., New York, NY, 10027

When: Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Young People's Chorus honors King through performance

What: The Young People's Chorus, along with the Harvard Glee Club, will sing a moving tribute to King at the Brick Presbyterian Church on the Upper East Side. "The concert explores themes of belonging and inclusion, bringing to life Dr. King’s dream of a world where all people live together in harmony," the event website reads.

Where: 1140 Park Ave., New York, NY 10128

When: Jan. 18, 4 p.m.

MLK Day at the Apollo Theater in Harlem

What: The Apollo Theater in Harlem is hosting several different events that pay homage to King — the Uptown Hall, a community conversation and tribute event hosted by WNYC, a staged reading of Tony-nominated Broadway play "Ain't No Mo" with its original Broadway cast, and a children's dialogue that will explore themes food insecurity and environmental advocacy.

Where: 253 West 125th St., New York, NY 10027

When: Various times on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20. Go here for more information.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen or pack hygiene kits

What: Spend a few hours on a service project hosted at different sites throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan organized by the UJA on Sunday and Monday, like prepping food at a soup kitchen, beautifying a community garden, or preparing hygiene kits for neighbors in need.

Where: Various locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan.

When: Sunday and Monday. For Sunday programs, click here. For Monday programs, click here. It may be required to register in advance.

The 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to King at Brooklyn Academy of Music

What: Celebrate the life and legacy of King with artists, community leaders and neighbors at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Alvin Ailey dancers will perform, and a member of the Little Rock Nine will give a keynote speech. There is also a day of activities for kids at BAM that explore themes of diversity and justice through arts and movement.

Where: 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11217

When: Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.

MLK Day at the Hannah Senesh Community Day School

What: Participate in several fun, family-friendly service projects like packaging food kits, a cooking project for a local pantry, and sorting and packing free books for kids in need.

Where: 342 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY, 11231

When: Jan. 20, 10 a.m.

MLK Day East Harlem Street Tree Care

What: Care for the local trees at Cherry Tree Park Playground in Harlem and learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees with the New York City Parks Department.

Where: Meet at the corner of Second Avenue and East 100th Street in Manhattan.

When: Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Manhattan Country School Commemorative March

What: Each year the eighth-grade students of Manhattan Country School organize and lead a march inspired by the hopes and dreams of Martin Luther King Jr. where they give speeches and share their perspectives about critical social justice issues.

Where: The march kicks off at 110th Street and 5th Avenue.

When: Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.