Come Behind The Scenes of “MLK Now 2017!”

Yesterday (MLK Day) more than 3,000 people gathered at The Riverside Church in Harlem, New York for the 2nd Annual “MLK Now” hosted by Blackout for Human Rights and the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), with presenting partners Sankofa.org and PICO National Network. The special program, which was live broadcast online, celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., exploring through speeches, musical performances, and a panel discussion how his message and vision continue to resonate in today’s racial, social and political landscape.

It was an honor and privilege to once again have a chance to produce and work the amazing team and talent associated with “MLK Now”! In particular, huge thanks go out to Ava DuVernay, Charles King of Macro Ventures, and Pastor Michael McBride for working so hard behind the scenes to secure such a phenomenal roster of performers.

Follow me backstage for a peek into some of the action:

The Super Squad behind #MLKNOW 2017! Love and appreciation to this year's volunteers! Team work is already making the dream work!

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 8:29am PST

#MLKNOW 2017 is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 12:25pm PST

The house is packed and the crowd is hyped! #MLKNOW

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 11:29am PST

#Power Pose. #MLKNOW #Events #Producer #Publicity

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 1:26pm PST

This sister is a real inspiration @therealprlady. She works so-damn-hard-to-deliver. #mlknow2017 wouldn't have happened without her I'm sure! Thanks sis, haven't seen you in a year but your SM feed gives me life! #ourny #movement #womanlead

A post shared by Carlene (@carlenepinto) on Jan 16, 2017 at 1:42pm PST

This woman…incandescent. #UzoAduba #MLKNOW #Publicity #Producer #Events

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 2:01pm PST

Guess who stopped by to support his wife Olivia Wilde! @jasonsudeikis_ #mlknow2017 #mlknow

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 2:56pm PST

I…just…fell all the way out. #mlknow #mlknow2017

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 2:43pm PST

Final snap of the evening, with the incomparable Mr. Andre Holland. Thank you, and good night! Thanks all for coming out and tuning in! #mlknow2017 #mlknow

A post shared by Miss D. (@therealprlady) on Jan 16, 2017 at 3:59pm PST

Also, see what some of the performers, media and audience members were saying behind the scenes:

Thank you #mlknow2017 and @unitedblackout for having me today where King spoke and where Maya and Baldwin were laid to rest! A perfect place and occasion to sing "One Voice" and celebrate todays release of SURRENDER!

A post shared by Gordon Chambers (@gordonchambers) on Jan 16, 2017 at 5:14pm PST

Last night in Brooklyn…. For my brothers… #soldevelopment #okayspace #mlknow2017

A post shared by Brittany Tanner (@brittctann) on Jan 16, 2017 at 6:53am PST

@baratunde as he hyped up the crowd as MC for tonight #MLKNow2017 📸: @flylifeimages

A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) on Jan 16, 2017 at 1:14pm PST

"For it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken." The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action by Audre Lorde. I had the humbling experience to recite her words at #MLKNOW2017 for @unitedblackout! Thank you for the opportunity. Photo by: @debrillantoine.

A post shared by Michelle Williams (@michellewilliams) on Jan 18, 2017 at 11:52am PST

My highest honor in New York this trip did not happen on a stage… It happened in the hearts. No better feeling then when a parent believes in your work enough to share it with their own child. #PEACEKING ft. Akhil #MLKNOW2017 #WokeFromTheDream

A post shared by Karega Bailey (@karegabailey) on Jan 18, 2017 at 5:41am PST

David Oyelowo, of Selma and Queen of Katwe, recites James Baldwin in honor of Dr. King in #Harlem for #MLKNow2017

A post shared by News with Nat (@newswithnat) on Jan 17, 2017 at 4:26pm PST

@qtiptheabstract sharing the wisdom of #langstonhughes today at riverside church in #harlem in celebration of #MLK.. "O, let my land be a land where liberty is crowned with no false patriotic wreath🇺🇸🍔🗽 but opportunity is real, and life is free. Equality is in the air we breathe, there's never been equality for me nor freedom in this 'homeland of the free…" #mlknow2017

A post shared by @phaze4000 on Jan 16, 2017 at 7:52pm PST

See more posts on “MLK Now 2017” using the hashtag #MLKNOW2017!