The "Let Freedom Ring" concert, a cherished annual event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is relocating from the Kennedy Center to the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., after 23 years. Georgetown University, the event's producer, cites financial considerations as the primary reason for the move. (kpbs.org)
This decision follows significant changes at the Kennedy Center under President Donald Trump's administration. In February 2025, President Trump appointed new leadership and rebranded the venue as the Trump Kennedy Center. Subsequent policy shifts, including the dissolution of the social impact division and critiques of "woke" programming, have led to departures of key figures and events. (apnews.com)
Marc Bamuthi Joseph, former artistic director for social impact at the Kennedy Center, expressed that holding the concert at the venue would be inconsistent with Dr. King's legacy, given the current administration's stance on equity and diversity. (kpbs.org)
Composer Nolan Williams Jr., the concert's music producer since 2003, supports the relocation, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new circumstances while honoring the event's history. This year's concert, headlined by actor and rapper Common, will feature Williams' new composition, "Just Like Selma," inspired by Dr. King's quote: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." (kpbs.org)
The Kennedy Center has announced an alternative celebration featuring the Missionary Kings of Harmony from the United House of Prayer for All People's Anacostia congregation. (kpbs.org)