BAM MLK event brings inspiration
Hundreds gathered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for a powerful event filled with performances, reflection, and inspiration. Among the speakers was Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine, who shared her story of courage and perseverance. “All things begin on a dream. Maybe you have a dream, or your parents have a dream for you,” LaNier told the audience, encouraging them to envision a brighter future.
LaNier recounted her experience as one of the first Black students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957, following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision declaring school segregation unconstitutional. She spoke of the intense resistance she and her peers faced, from violent mobs to the hardships their families endured. “Getting into school was half the battle,” she said. “A year like no other for the nine of us. It wasn’t just hard for us—it was especially hard for our parents, who lost their jobs and had to leave town.”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to protect the students, turning the Little Rock Nine into enduring symbols of the struggle for equality. That legacy was a key theme of the event, as Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed the crowd with a call to action. Quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others? The time for asking is over. It’s time to do something for others.”
The audience reflected on King’s impact and the importance of his message. “He did a lot when he was a young person. It’s important for young people to see if they can make that kind of change,” said attendee Tene Howard. Another attendee highlighted King’s commitment to nonviolence, noting, “His principles helped him become the person he was.”
Organizers emphasized the event’s purpose: to remind both children and adults that they have a role in advancing Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice. Through stories like LaNier’s and the community’s shared reflection, the tribute inspired attendees to continue the fight for a more equitable society.
