WNYC celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by partnering again with The Apollo for MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency. Held for the first time at The Apollo’s new stages at the Victoria Theater, the event will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2pm. It will be recorded and broadcast on WNYC and public radio stations across the country on Monday, January 19 (see local listings).
Anchored in the historic moment of Dr. King’s 1957 journey to Ghana, the program traces King’s vision and commitment to global liberation to the modern-day call for justice.Through conversation, performance, and reflection, this year’s gathering connects the struggle against colonialism and segregation to today’s fights for equity, freedom, and dignity across the African Diaspora. Together, we examine restitution and reconciliation not as lofty ideals, but as urgent imperatives, linking Accra to Atlanta, the global past to our shared present.
The conversation will be hosted by WNYC’s Michael Hill, Brian Lehrer, and Janae Pierre, along with WQXR’s Terrance McKnight.
In consideration of the venue’s capacity, seating is extremely limited. MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency will be recorded for broadcast on WNYC on Monday, January 19 at 3pm & 8pm on WNYC 93.9 FM, AM 820, and www.wnyc.org, as well as on public radio stations across the country and on WNYC and The Apollo’s YouTube channels.
WNYC celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by partnering again with The Apollo for MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency. Held for the first time at The Apollo’s new stages at the Victoria Theater, the event will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2pm. It will be recorded and broadcast on WNYC and public radio stations across the country on Monday, January 19 (see local listings).
Anchored in the historic moment of Dr. King’s 1957 journey to Ghana, the program traces King’s vision and commitment to global liberation to the modern-day call for justice.Through conversation, performance, and reflection, this year’s gathering connects the struggle against colonialism and segregation to today’s fights for equity, freedom, and dignity across the African Diaspora. Together, we examine restitution and reconciliation not as lofty ideals, but as urgent imperatives, linking Accra to Atlanta, the global past to our shared present.
The conversation will be hosted by WNYC’s Michael Hill, Brian Lehrer, and Janae Pierre, along with WQXR’s Terrance McKnight.
In consideration of the venue’s capacity, seating is extremely limited. MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency will be recorded for broadcast on WNYC on Monday, January 19 at 3pm & 8pm on WNYC 93.9 FM, AM 820, and www.wnyc.org, as well as on public radio stations across the country and on WNYC and The Apollo’s YouTube channels.
Step behind the curtain of the world-famous Apollo Theater. Located at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria’s Laura & Frank Baker Gallery, Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories is a first of its kind exhibition curated by The Apollo Archives. This collection of rare photographs, video recordings, and artifacts offers a rare glimpse into The Apollo’s 91 year history.
Free and open to the public with select viewings and conversations throughout the season, this stunning exhibition offers a glimpse into the many roles that The Apollo has played and continues to play in service to the arts, the Harlem community, and global pop culture at large.
Open Daily 10am – 6pm & 2 hours before curtain during performances
WNYC celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by partnering again with The Apollo for MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency. Held for the first time at The Apollo’s new stages at the Victoria Theater, the event will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2pm. It will be recorded and broadcast on WNYC and public radio stations across the country on Monday, January 19 (see local listings).
Anchored in the historic moment of Dr. King’s 1957 journey to Ghana, the program traces King’s vision and commitment to global liberation to the modern-day call for justice.Through conversation, performance, and reflection, this year’s gathering connects the struggle against colonialism and segregation to today’s fights for equity, freedom, and dignity across the African Diaspora. Together, we examine restitution and reconciliation not as lofty ideals, but as urgent imperatives, linking Accra to Atlanta, the global past to our shared present.
The conversation will be hosted by WNYC’s Michael Hill, Brian Lehrer, and Janae Pierre, along with WQXR’s Terrance McKnight.
In consideration of the venue’s capacity, seating is extremely limited. MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency will be recorded for broadcast on WNYC on Monday, January 19 at 3pm & 8pm on WNYC 93.9 FM, AM 820, and www.wnyc.org, as well as on public radio stations across the country and on WNYC and The Apollo’s YouTube channels.
“Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.”
Apollo Education invites the community to join this year’s MLK Young Changemakers event, honoring Dr. King’s powerful legacy in a modern context. MLK Young Changemakers is a series of conversations in recognition of Dr. King’s impact and the National Youth Day of Service.
This year’s MLK Young Changemakers: TL; DR focuses on Dr. King’s belief in education and its impact on our communities. Young advocates can honor Dr. King’s legacy in a way that matters now: by sharing information, advocating for media literacy, and fighting against the spread of misinformation.
Come to The Apollo Stages at The Victoria to support a new generation passionate about a better future in a digital world. This is your chance to connect, speak up, and drive change.
About MLK Young Changemakers:
In honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the National Day of Service, MLK Young Changemakers is an inspiring panel discussion with emerging activists and community leaders about the unique ways young people can harness their talents to affect change and serve their communities.
This event is curated by The Apollo Apprentices.
The 17th Annual Fire This Time Festival breaks ground this winter at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria! Don’t miss the incredible lineup of six world-premiere 10-minute plays cover a range from the humorous to moving, pointed, and political, all directed by preeminent director and creator, Ken-Matt Martin.
“To bring The Fire This Time Festival to The Apollo is to root our work in the very heart of Black artistic excellence. The Apollo has always been a beacon for voices that define culture and truth. This partnership allows us to continue nurturing the playwrights and storytellers who are illuminating our world in powerful new ways.”
Kelley Girod, Founder of The Fire This Time Festival and Apollo New Works Director.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
ABOUT THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL:
Founded in 2009 by playwright and Apollo’s Director of New Works, Kelley Nicole Girod, The Fire This Time Festival provides a platform for early career playwrights of African and African American descent. Since its founding, the Festival has produced the plays of dozens of emerging writers whose works explore a wide range of themes and perspectives. The Festival also supports actors, directors, and technical personnel to help seed the pipeline with diverse talent and amplify underrepresented voices in theater in New York and beyond. The Fire This Time playwrights have gone on to have their plays produced in cities across the United States and work as writers in film and television. The Fire This Time Festival has evolved into an annual January event and continues to grow, expanding upon its core short play presentations to offer panel discussions, staged readings, a playwright’s lab and other programs. The Festival has become a destination for diverse audiences, producers, and artists seeking new possibilities and opportunities in contemporary theater.
Featuring ONIKA MCLEAN, MARK SIMMONS, STEPHON RAICKETT
HOSTED BY MUGGA
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem. Doors open at 9pm; Showtime is 10pm. There is a $10 food/beverage minimum.
Apollo Comedy Club is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2026 season.
Singer, songwriter, pianist, and historian Nia Drummond moves fluidly through opera, jazz, soul, gospel, and spirituals — genres that form the living archive of Black musical expression. In this month of Black History and Love, join Nia for an evening of music that lives at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.
The Essence of Lace is the debut fashion viewing of the Christopher Reavley Collection, presenting a 30-piece women's luxury ready-to-wear collection crafted with precision, elegance, and modern femininity. This immersive experience celebrates the timeless romance of lace while reimagining it through contemporary silhouettes, elevated tailoring, and refined textures.
Featuring JOEY B., KHRISTIN Y.S.F. BROOKS, COMEDIAN BUDDY LOVE
HOSTED BY DREW FRASER
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem. Doors open at 9pm; Showtime is 10pm. There is a $10 food/beverage minimum.
Apollo Comedy Club is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2026 season.
Turn down the lights and get ready for a night of Quiet Storm with singer and songwriter Alex Tyree. With lush vocals and unhurried melodies, Alex creates a night of music written in the sacred language of life and love.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with The Apollo and Harlem-based film collective Melanin Madness. After a sold-out 2025 Halloween-themed screening, we’re running it back, this time for the ladies. As always and in true Apollo fashion, the audience is a part of the experience so grab your crew and get ready to talk back, cheer and join the party in this evening of community, culture, and fun.
About Melanin Madness:
MELANIN MADNESS interactive screenings turn classic and cult films into full-on cultural celebrations! With props, character cards, and playful hosts, audiences shout lines, sip on keywords, and dive into the joy of cinema—loud, proud, and in community! Led by Obie-Award Winner Eric Lockley (The Movement Theatre Company, Harlem9), his team of multidisciplinary artists have been creating immersive theater collectively for over 5 years. Featuring: Jovany Andujar (NYC Educator), Dolores Pereira (Culture curator, Co-founder of Loud and Lyfted and DND:Two Queens Doing Things) and Jordon Waters (TheyGotTime Productions, creator of The Art of Killin’ It and Party Killer). Past partnerships include Maysles Cinema with screenings of Octavia Spencer’s villainous turn in MA, the hilarious Halle Berry cult-classic BAPS and the spectacular Jenifer Lewis’ Jackie’s Back as a tipsy sing-along. Come have a drink, laugh and engage!
Featuring SOFIA NEGRON, DEZZ WHITE, SHAWN HARVEY
HOSTED BY LARRY LANCASTER
Jumpstart your weekend with a fun night of laughter, drinks, and tasty bites with the best up and coming talent in comedy today. Curated by Bob Sumner (legendary producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), The Apollo Comedy Club presents a night of comedic sets that will have you rolling in laughter.
Perfect for date night, or a night out with friends, don’t miss your chance to heat up your Thursday with the hottest ticket in Harlem. Doors open at 9pm; Showtime is 10pm. There is a $10 food/beverage minimum.
Apollo Comedy Club is part of The Apollo’s Winter/Spring 2026 season.
From Lotus Avenue to the A-train, ELHAE makes a quick stop in Harlem for an acoustic performance that blends alternative R&B with Hip Hop. His catalog includes thematic and seductive gems such as “Fun Fact”, “I Choose You (w. Ambre)”, “Doesn’t Matter (w. Kehlani)” and the deliciously pulsating dance hit “Touch (w. GoldLink)“.
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
