
As the nation pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through various events and a National Day of Service, New York City and surrounding areas have scheduled an array of activities to honor his enduring legacy. In New York, CBS News New York reported on several commemorations including a gathering at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, a Brooklyn tribute at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a day of service coordinated by the UJA-Federation of New York.
Notably, this year's MLK Day coincides with Inauguration Day, adding a historical resonance to the events. The Brooklyn Academy of Music's event, now in its 39th year, boasts performances and speeches designed to not just reflect, but to provoke action. "It means a lot. I think it means that this is a chance of reflection, but also, hopefully, sparking some action. And sometimes what action means is just connecting with people," Coco Killingsworth, BAM's chief experience and impact officer, told CBS News New York.
While these events invite the public to engage in community and reflection, there's a practical side to the holiday as many find themselves questioning the availability of services — including banking operations. NBC New York states that in observance of the federal holiday, most banks, alongside the stock market, will not conduct business on MLK Day. This includes major financial institutions such as Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank, among others.
According to NBC New York, "On January 20, 2025, the Federal Reserve Banks are closed in observance of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr." This closure mirrors the practices of most banks, which generally align with Federal Reserve holidays, though they are not strictly required to. Customers needing banking services may need to plan accordingly, as transactions will not post and branches will be closed.
In New Jersey, Jersey Cares has taken up the call to service, anticipating 1,800 volunteers for its Jersey Cares Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event. Over in Washington, D.C., Rev. Al Sharpton will be participating in the MLK Day march — continuing the tradition of activism and remembrance on a day that holds significant value for the civil rights movement and beyond. Dr. King's methods of nonviolent protest and poignant speech continue to inspire, even as the nation faces new challenges and opportunities to embody the principles he championed.