Philadelphia, January 27, 2026
The Paul Robeson House & Museum in Philadelphia will host an event aimed at honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on January 27, 2026. This unique program will explore the significance of art and music in cultivating community connections and understanding. Featuring a panel of community leaders, attendees will engage in discussions on how creativity can drive social progress. The event is open to the public, with in-person attendance requiring prior registration, although it will also be available via livestream on Facebook.
Creating Dr. King’s Beloved Community: A Unique Philadelphia Event
Explore how art and music bring Dr. King’s vision to life
Philadelphia, PA – On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM ET, the Paul Robeson House & Museum will host “Creating Dr. King’s Beloved Community Through Art & Music,” a special event dedicated to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy. This program, in coordination with the University of Pennsylvania’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change, will also be accessible via livestream on the African-American Resource Center’s Facebook page.
The event promises an engaging exploration of the powerful role of art and music in fostering community connections and understanding—a theme particularly resonant in today’s society. By emphasizing themes of connection, care, and shared responsibility, local organizers initiate important conversations about how creativity and collaboration can drive social progress. This event stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Philadelphia’s cultural institutions, showcasing a commitment to honoring historical figures like Dr. King through civic engagement.
Event Features: Panel Insights and Perspectives
The program will feature a panel discussion led by influential voices in the community. Panelists include Nile Livingston, Founder and CEO of Creative Repute, who specializes in creative strategies, Ryoko Ohara, a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, and Karen Smith, a multi-talented percussionist, playwright, director, producer, and poet. These panelists bring a wealth of experience and passion for the arts, offering unique perspectives on how artistic expressions can contribute to healing and community building.
Moderation and Engagement with the Audience
The panel will be moderated by Ira Harkavy, Founder and Director of the Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania, alongside Azsherae Gary, Interim Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance/Paul Robeson House & Museum. Their collaborative leadership showcases the potential of partnerships between educational institutions and local cultural organizations, promoting a vibrant dialogue about Dr. King’s aspirations for an inclusive community.
Location and Registration Details
The Paul Robeson House & Museum, located at 4949-4951 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139, provides a meaningful context for this event, honoring the legacy of a man whose life exemplified the very ideals being discussed. While the event is open to the public, seating is limited, and prospective attendees are encouraged to register in advance to secure a spot. Those unable to attend can easily access the discussion via the livestream on the African-American Resource Center’s Facebook page.
Continuing Dr. King’s Legacy through Action
This event is not just a celebration of Dr. King’s life; it is part of a broader commitment from the University of Pennsylvania to engage with social change initiatives throughout the week. Through programs like these, the community is invited to reflect on the ongoing work needed to build a more equitable society. Encouraging participation in such events fosters a sense of shared responsibility and inspires individuals to take action in their own neighborhoods.
Conclusion: Join Us in Celebrating Community and Culture
As the event approaches, it’s an opportune moment for residents to consider how they can contribute to building Dr. King’s Beloved Community. Engagement in local events serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in collaboration and the arts. We encourage everyone to stay involved in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, support local initiatives, and continue the conversation on how to bring about meaningful change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Creating Dr. King’s Beloved Community Through Art & Music” event?
This is a special program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, featuring a panel discussion on how art and music contribute to building the Beloved Community, emphasizing connection, care, and shared responsibility.
When and where is the event taking place?
The event will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM ET at the Paul Robeson House & Museum, located at 4949-4951 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139.
Who are the panelists for the event?
The panelists include Nile Livingston, Founder and CEO of Creative Repute; Ryoko Ohara, a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor; and Karen Smith, a Philadelphia-based percussionist, playwright, director, producer, and poet.
How can I attend the event?
The event is open to the public, but seating is limited. To attend in person, please register in advance. For those unable to attend, the livestream will be accessible on the African-American Resource Center’s Facebook page.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee for the event. However, registration is required to attend in person due to limited seating.
How can I register for the event?
To register for the event, visit the African-American Resource Center’s Facebook page and follow the registration instructions provided there.
| Event Name | Creating Dr. King’s Beloved Community Through Art & Music |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM ET |
| Location | Paul Robeson House & Museum, 4949-4951 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139 |
| Panelists | Nile Livingston, Ryoko Ohara, Karen Smith |
| Registration | Required for in-person attendance; livestream available on the African-American Resource Center’s Facebook page |
| Registration Fee | None |
| Registration Link | URL_to_registration_page |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
