The Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity Set to Celebrate the 57th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration to Honor Legacy of Justice and Equality
Rev. Dr. James A. Kilgore, President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater NY & Vicinity, announced today the 57th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, a commemorative event honoring the enduring legacy of the civil rights leader and champion of justice and equality. Billed as the biggest event that the Conference hosts each year, the 2025 celebration will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church, located at 420 West 145th Street, starting at 10:00 AM. The event is free to the public and doors will open at 9:00am.
The celebration will feature an inspiring program with guest keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church, with performances by The Harlem Mass Choir, as well as a community gathering to reflect on Dr. King’s values and the ongoing fight for equality.
Highlights of the day will include a special acknowledgment of honorees Ms. Naomi Graham, who served as Abyssinian Baptist Church’s Administrative Officer and Executive Pastoral Assistant for 23 Years, with 21 years alongside Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, and Mr. William Allen, Manhattan Democratic District Leader, with Trailblazer Awards. Ms. Graham will be recognized for her longtime service as a steward and leader, both within Abyssinian and in the community, as she welcomed through the church’s doors and facilitated everyone from world leaders and heads of state to authors, thought leaders, faith leaders, and globally renowned artists. Mr. Allen will be recognized for his longstanding leadership in faith, politics, and community development.
Also invited to attend are Governor Kathy Hochul; Senator Chuck Schumer; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Mayor Eric Adams, and many more.
“As we mark the 57th anniversary of Dr. King’s legacy, it is a time for our community to come together to honor the progress we’ve made and reaffirm our commitment to the work still needed in the pursuit of racial and social justice,” says Rev. Dr. Kilgore. “Dr. King’s message of peace, unity, and equality continues to inspire and guide us in our efforts to build a more just society. We couldn’t think of more fitting and deserving honorees than Ms. Graham and Mr. Allen to highlight on this very special occasion.”
Everyone is invited to attend the celebration
