Despite the cold, snowy weather on Sunday evening, Jan. 18, 2026, several residents, mostly from the Flatbush and Canarsie areas of Brooklyn, gathered at Alliance Tabernacle Church in East Flatbush to honor the memory and contributions of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The event started with the Clergy leader, Bishop Gilford Monrose, giving remarks on what awaits the audience in the evening’s lineup of speakers, musical renditions, and cultural performances, to demonstrate and reminisce about the courageous and significant legacy of Dr. King.
Host Pastor of Alliance Tabernacle, Dr. Charles Galbreath, welcomed the audience with the message that reclaiming the work of Dr. King was the objective of the evening’s event. He emphasized the need for King’s work to grow. He said it requires commitment and should become part of the community.
Dr. Galbreath noted the importance of commitment. He said community responsibilities should be shared by everyone. The Rev. then paused to announce the arrival of one of the speakers for the evening, New York State Attorney General Letitia James. She received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the audience.
Attorney General Letitia James called for continued community commitment. She acknowledged that the community still struggles with violence and injustice. “This is a day when we should recommit ourselves…let us not sleep through the revolution. This is a government that wants to weaponize the system. It is a government I do not recognize,” she said.
James emphasized the importance of observing King’s Day and urged the community to use the occasion to record what is at stake. “Stand together and reject the hate…truth crushed to the earth will rise again,” she said.
She asked that King’s legacy live in everyone, saying, “Despite all that we have endured, we are all in this together, and immigrants are part of nation-building. It is up to each and every one of us,” the Attorney General commented.
A lineup of well-versed and talented clergy leaders joined the event. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and New York City Council Member for the 40th District, Rita Joseph, also spoke. They all expanded the plea for a continuation of Dr. King’s dream.
Council Member Joseph then addressed the gathering, expressing the need for action: “We cannot just be spectators; fair housing and quality education must be demanded. We will work through our faith, justice, and our communities to achieve, but we must continue,” she stressed.
Next, Rev. Dr. Keisha Agard-Williams encouraged the audience to focus on strategy to advance King’s work, saying, “Stop circling the mountain; shift from marching to real movement…and from restoration to reality.”
Reverend Maroathente Ziddie said the community must work with young people after the speeches. Young people should understand that it is more than just the textbooks and Instagram. “Define yourselves as someone with power to carry the mission and the services of King,” she said.
Rev. Ty’Ann Williams echoed the cry for a continuation of Dr. King’s work. She asked that the church not retreat but work to help immigrants. “Immigrants are families too. Open church doors as safe places for immigrants. Stand for dignity with these families,” she emphasized.
As the evening continued, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stated that Dr. King’s legacy is more than just words. “It requires everyday efforts which include everyone of us to help make the changes we want,” he commented. “That should be our mission for improved communities, education, and economic equality.”
Local musicians and cultural acts, including the Freedom Singers, The Flatbush Leadership Academy, and Creative Tension, added meaning to the evening. Their performances mesmerized the audience and, for some, prompted reminiscence of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. The eager and excited crowd showed their gratitude cheerfully and enthusiastically for each performance.
