This episode of Visions celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a collection of liberation music: sounds of grief, struggle, freedom, loss, and joy.

I chose a couple tracks off of Max Roach’s “Freedom Now Suite” to anchor the episode. I also played Terri Lyne Carrington’s rendition of Roach’s suite, “We Insist 2025!” I play music from John Coltrane, Blue Mitchell, Cecil Payne, Nina Simone, Harold McKinney, Irreversible Entanglements, and many more.

I also promote a show coming to the Detroit Institute of Arts Diego Rivera Court this Friday, Jan. 23: George Lewis and the 45th Anniversary of the Creative Arts Collective with PUBLIQuartet. Check out information about the show and purchase tickets here.

Check out the playlist below and listen to the episode on-demand for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Visions Playlist for Jan. 19, 2026

• “Soldiers (I Have a Dream)” – Christian McBride
• “Tears For Johannesburg” – Max Roach
• “Mannenberg Revisited” – Abdullah Ibrahim
• “Tears For Johannesburg (feat. Julian Preister, Weedie Braimah, Milena Casado, Morgan Guerin & Matthew Stevens)” – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell
• “March On Selma” – Blue Mitchell
• “Freedom Jazz Dance” – Harold McKinney*
• “Someday I’ll Find You” – Sonny Rollins
• “Martin Was a Man, A Real Man” – Oliver Nelson
• “Freedom Day” – Max Roach
• “Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues (Arr. by PUBLIQuartet for String Quartet)” – PUBLIQuartet
• “Ghost Dancers” – A. Spencer Barefield*
• “Martin Luther King, Jr. I Know Love” – Cecil Payne
• “Why? (The King of Love Is Dead)” – Nina Simone
• “Fireworks” – Irreversible Entanglements
• “Alabama (Live At Birdland Jazzclub, New York City, NY, 10/18/1963)” – John Coltrane
• “I Have a Dream” – Herbie Hancock

* indicates Detroit artists

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is this upcoming Monday, and our local museums are making sure you have every opportunity to honor the civil rights leader.

Plus, the Detroit Auto Show is open to the public starting Saturday, and there are some sweet opportunities to get outside with family and friends.

Upcoming events (Jan. 15–22)

Candyland at Beacon Park

  Beacon Park

  Thursday, Jan. 15-20

  Free

Though we’re out of the holiday season, there’s still time to go see a spectacular light display in Beacon Park that draws you into the magic of Candyland! Bring friends and family to enjoy some time outside and take advantage of the picture-perfect scenery. This is the last week the display is up.

Detroit Auto Show

  Huntington Place

  Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25

  $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for kids ages 3-12

See the future of the auto industry for yourself in this hands-on, immersive auto show! Cruise through a winding indoor track in an EV driven by an industry professional, see how vehicles connect us with the outdoors in the Michigan Overland Adventure display, and learn about the auto industry as a whole. 

Discover Rouge Park: January Meet Up

  Rouge Park

  Sunday, Jan. 18

  Free

Meet at the Sorenson Recreation Area at noon for a guided walk on the Rouge Park’s Ma’inngan Wildwood Trail. Learn about the park, get some exercise and fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors in winter. If there’s heavy snow, snow shoes will be provided to help navigate the trails, granted you register in advance. This event is free and for all ages, but dress appropriately for the two hour walk.

MLK Day is Monday, Jan. 19

A Dream Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of the Black Church in Detroit During the Civil Rights Movement

  Detroit Historical Museum

  Monday, Jan. 19

  Free

Enjoy historical presentations and crafts that reflect Rev. Martin Luther King Jr,’s values of faith, justice and community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event closes with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” and cupcakes.

“We Who Believe in Freedom”

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

  Monday, Jan. 19

  Free

Come to the Wright Museum for a full day of  free activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attend a bike ride led by Tour de Troit, observe historical reenactments, listen to some storytelling, watch a film screening, and participate in discussions. A paid experience with Prayer Breakfast and Keynote speakers is available with the purchase of a ticket for $33.85+. RSVP in advance. 

MLK at the DIA

  Detroit Institute of Arts

  Monday, Jan. 19

  Free with admission

The museum will be open during its regular hours with a few different ways to honor MLK’s legacy. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be Collage Portraits workshop inspired by artists displayed in the museum’s African American Galleries. At 2 p.m. in the Rivera Gallery, there will be a civil rights song sing-along featuring poetry from the InsideOut Literary Arts program, followed by a march to the Wright Museum.