As part of Georgetown University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative, the Let Freedom Ring Celebration took place. This year’s celebration honored Dr. King’s legacy while inspiring future generations to pursue justice and equality. It was an unforgettable evening filled with powerful performances, heartfelt tributes, and a deep commitment to social justice. It was fitting that this celebration was held at the national culture center: the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Marc Bamuthi Joseph, vice president and artistic director of social impact for the Kennedy Center, provided an introduction to the program that was as rich and moving as the program itself and reiterated the mission:
“The systemic commitment to social impact lives in our belief that the arts hold unique power in our society to build community, center joy, inspire action and drive meaningful change,” Joseph stated. “We leverage the arts for non-arts outcomes to advance justice and equity in all that we do.”
Over the years, the event has attracted some of the most celebrated artists and performers, including Jessye Norman, Aaron Neville, Yolanda Adams and Aretha Franklin, creating a vibrant tapestry of music that resonates with the themes of freedom and equality. Most recently, the Let Freedom Ring Celebration welcomed Leslie Odom Jr. in 2023 and Jordin Sparks in 2024.
This year’s celebration was hosted by Taye Diggs, who is known for his performances in The Best Man and “All American.” The event featured Christopher Jackson, the Tony Award-nominated actor as well as Grammy and Emmy Award-winning songwriter/composer best known for starring as George Washington in “Hamilton” on Broadway; Grammy-winning bassist, singer, songwriter and composer esperanza spalding; Billboard-charting recording artist Dr. Chelsey Green; and Lew Sid, winner of the Rise Up Song Challenge. Separately they provided powerful performances, but the ending original song by Nolan Williams Jr., music producer and CEO of NEWorks Productions, brought the house down, with the audience on its feet dancing and singing along.
At the heart of this year’s celebration was the recognition of Paula C. Thompson, the president and CEO of Voices for a Second Chance, or VSC, who received the John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award. Thompson’s unwavering dedication to dismantling barriers for individuals re-entering society has transformed countless lives. Under her leadership, VSC has expanded its programs to include gender-specific trauma counseling, initiatives for children of incarcerated parents and family reunification services.
In addition to the musical performances, guests were treated to compelling narratives presented by narrators Nikkole Salter and Quincy Vicks. Staging directors Sean-Maurice Lynch and Diedre Neal presented a visually stunning stage that served as a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
With the support of the Kennedy Center and the leadership of Robert M. Groves, interim president of Georgetown University, the Let Freedom Ring Celebration embodied a commitment to social change and community empowerment. This event is a call to action, encouraging all of us to reflect on our roles in promoting justice and equality in our communities.
The Let Freedom Ring Celebration truly honored the enduring legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let freedom ring!
