New Yorkers carry on Dr. King's legacy

About a thousand people filled the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to remember the slain civil rights leader's legacy. They honored the work and memory of King at the 22nd

News 12 Staff

Jan 22, 2008, 9:34 PM

Updated 6,162 days ago

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About a thousand people filled the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to remember the slain civil rights leader's legacy.
They honored the work and memory of King at the 22nd annual celebration at BAM. The Christian Cultural Center church choir and gospel legend Mavis Staples raised their voices at the ceremony.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz spoke about how King would be proud to see a black man and a woman vying for the Democratic presidential nomination, referring to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). He also said King would be proud of Brooklyn's diversity.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn also talked to the audience. Quinn denounced hate crimes plaguing the city.
"He knew he was in danger, but he never worried about his personal safety," Bloomberg said. "I think he's a good role model for all of us."
BAM also has an art project for children that honors King. Many participants agreed that the celebration should be year-round, not just for one day.
To watch the full ceremony, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.