The annual "Let Freedom Ring" concert, which celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day and has been a staple at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for over two decades, will relocate this year. Georgetown University, the event's producer, announced the move to D.C.'s historic Howard Theatre, citing cost-saving measures as the reason.
Background on the Event
For more than 20 years, the concert featured performances by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan, accompanied by a choir from D.C. area churches and Georgetown University. This year's event will be headlined by actor and rapper Common.
Perspectives on the Relocation
Marc Bamuthi, who served as the Kennedy Center's artistic director for social impact until March 2025, commented on the move. He stated that holding the event at the Kennedy Center would be inconsistent with celebrating King's fight for justice and equity, given what he described as the current administration's "anti-equity position." President Trump had previously criticized Kennedy Center programming and, in February 2025, appointed new leadership, leading to the dissolution of the social media division and layoffs, including Bamuthi and his team.
Nolan Williams Jr., the music producer for "Let Freedom Ring" since 2003, expressed acceptance of the relocation, noting the importance of moving forward. Williams Jr. composed a new piece for this year's event titled "Just Like Selma," inspired by King's quote, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." Williams Jr. emphasizes the active role individuals must take in promoting change, using words like 'protest,' 'resist,' 'endure,' 'agitate,' and 'fight hate' in his composition.
Kennedy Center's Separate Celebration
The Kennedy Center announced its own Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration would feature the Missionary Kings of Harmony of The United House of Prayer for All People's Anacostia congregation.