To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the New York Historical Society is presenting an exhibition of photographs and artifacts honoring these visionary leaders who irrevocably changed the U.S. This is a fascinating exhibit showcasing over 60 photographs and 30 documents and artifacts covering the relationship  the two. Their commonality was their deaths, their commitments to civil rights and social justice.

But contrary to popular opinion, the two were not friends.  Kennedy was a politician and King was spiritual and Kennedy felt that being too closely associated with King would not be wise politically.  The exhibit, “Rebel Spirits:  Robert F. Kennedy And Martin Luther King Jr.”, is based in part on the book, The Promise and the Dream written by David Margolick and curated by Lawrence Schiller.  This is an exhibit everyone should see.  Please go—it’s important.

George Kalinsky captured this shot in October 1955 of New York Yankees v. Brooklyn Dodgers at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

Another wonderfully interesting exhibit on display, New York Through the Lens of George Kalinsky, features over 70 iconic photographs of NYC sports and cultural figures.  Some of the photos are John Lennon in his last live appearance, Pope John Paul 11 hoisting a child onto the Popemobile, Sloane Stephens winning the 2017 US Open.  I liked this exhibit very much, too.

Miriam Silverberg is a freelance journalist and owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a boutique publicity agency in Manhattan. She may be reached at silverbergm@mindspring.com.