• By Mabel Pais

Event Date: January 15, 2023

Event Time: 3:00 PM EST

Location:     Apollo’s Historic Theater, 253 West 125th Street New York, NY

Tickets:      Tickets are free, but RSVP is required

UPTOWN HALL: MLK- BLUEPRINT FOR THE CULTURE

PRESENTED BY WNYC & THE APOLLO

The 17th annual Apollo Uptown Hall MLK celebration focuses on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s as the template for modern social and civil justice movements. This year is a celebration of young people impacting society through activism, engagement, and a commitment to justice.

The Apollo has a decades-long tradition of serving as a convener for local community residents as well as people from across New York City. That tradition continues as the Apollo partners with WNYC in its annual celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy on the culture. WNYC’s ‘Notes from America’ host, Kai Wright moderates the first hour of this year’s celebration followed by music, spoken word and other forms of creative expressions with WQXR’s Terrance McKnight. Learn more at apollotheater.org/event/uptown-hall-mlk-blueprint-for-the-culture

Following the in-person program, Celebrate MLK’s National Day of Service with an inspiring panel on the Apollo Digital Stage featuring a discussion on the pivotal role of young voices affecting change within their communities, curated by the Apollo Young Producers.

APOLLO YOUNG PRODUCERS PRESENTS: YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS

Event Date: January 15, 2023

Event Time: 5:00 PM EST

Location:     Apollo Digital Stage

Tickets:      Free, but RSVP is required

A Virtual Event

PANEL DISCUSSION

Watch the Apollo Digital Stage, a virtual event celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the National Day of Service. Curated by the Apollo Young Producers, a dynamic group of alumni from the Apollo’s high school and college programs, this inspiring panel discussion highlights emerging activists and community leaders as they tackle gun violence, reproductive rights, and the need for holistic community care. Explore how young people can harness their unique talents to affect change and better serve their communities. Meet them on the Apollo Digital Stage to share resources, find support, and discuss experiences with the leaders of tomorrow.

‘MLK: Young Changemakers’ is a continuation of the Apollo’s 2022-2023 season, ‘The Next Movement,’ an exploration of what’s new, now and next in music, dance, art and ideas.

FEATURING PANELISTS

Luis Jonathan Hernandez, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Youth Over Guns

Deja Foxx, Activist, Founder of GenZ Girl Gang, Co-Founder El Rio RHAP

Tania Maree Giordani, Founder and Director at NourishNYC

Natalie Hernandez, Moderator

To learn more about each “changemaker” panelist, visit apollotheater.org/event/apollo-young-producers-presents-young-changemakers-2023/

HOW TO WATCH

Apollo Digital Stage

Facebook

Youtube

HEALTH SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For the safety of the artists, audiences and staff, face coverings are optional but encouraged for all attendees while inside the theater. For more information about the Apollo’s COVID safety policies, visit apollotheater.org/covid-19.

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JCC WELCOMES YOU TO NEW YEAR FITNESS FAIR

By Mabel Pais

WHEN:   Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

WHERE:  Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan at 334 Amsterdam Avenue (at 76th Street)

WHAT:   Hundreds of New Yorkers will kick off the new year with 20+ free fitness and wellness classes, offered in person and online, including Yoga for Bone Health, Dance Fitness, Nia Rockin’ New Year’s Jam, Self Defense, Tai Chi & Qi Gong, Zentangle, a salsa dance soiree and wine tasting to close the day, and more.

BENEFITS:

In addition to the day-long festivities, the JCC will offer a discount to Health Club membership for those who register during the event, along with discounts on personal training and massage. “We are delighted to welcome the community through our doors for this special annual event,” said Melissa Donovan, Chief Operating Officer, Health & Wellness of MMJCCM. “It’s vitally important that people have opportunities to connect with caring communities, vibrant programs, and evidence-based information on their wellness journey. The new year is a moment of reboot for many people, resolutions or not, and we love sharing a sampling of the wonderful classes and expertise that you can expect from the JCC year-round.”

PRE-REGISTRATION:

To pre-register and for more information, visit mmjccm.org/newyears.

WHO:   Hundreds of New Yorkers who want to start the new year with a focus on getting and staying fit and healthy.

HEALTH SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For updated health safety protocols, visit mmjccm.org/about/policies-practices#covid

THE MARLENE MEYERSON JCC MANHATTAN (MMJCCM): 

Together with its community, the MMJCCM creates opportunities for people to connect, grow, and learn within an ever-changing landscape. Located on 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, the JCC is a vibrant non-profit community center on the Upper West Side. It also presents a robust slate of virtual programming, serving an even wider community. The JCC serves over 55,000 people annually through 1,200 programs each season that educate, inspire, and transform participants’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Throughout COVID-19, the JCC has pivoted to meet the community online, exceeding 102,000 registrations to over 3,000 virtual classes and programs in the earliest part of the pandemic. Since its inception, the JCC has been committed to serving the community by offering programs, classes, and events that extend beyond neighborhood boundaries, reaching people at all stages of their lives. Learn more at mmjccm.org

(Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, Health & Wellness, The Arts and Entertainment, Cuisine and Spirituality)