The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation joins Americans across the country in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and legacy. We remember his contributions on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024 of service and also his legacy in the pursuit of racial equity and justice.
Every day, the Foundation asks: What can we do together that we can’t do alone? We encourage residents in northern New Jersey to be inspired and also participate in activities and events taking place to commemorate the 29th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024 of Service. Through collaboration, we also talk and learn from each other. In addition, we share ideas, best practices, and resources.
How can you get involved that day and at other times? First, find a service activity. Second, join others and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work advocating for racial and social justice. Third, remember the needs in our communities in northern New Jersey continue beyond this day of service. In addition, throughout the year, find your passion and find an area of interest and volunteer in your community.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation also can help you find an activity, event, or volunteer opportunity. For that reason, we compiled this handy list of events and activities taking place on Martin Luther King Weekend and during the week of January 15, 2024.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024 of Service Activities
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
- Jersey Cares. Jersey Cares observes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service with a statewide celebration of in person and virtual projects bringing people together. Furthermore, activities and events take place for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to undertake a range of projects. For more information, visit their website to find a list of projects to select from.
- AmeriCorps Day of Service. Building a Beloved Community: Unite, Serve, Transform on MLK Day. Find a volunteer opportunity in your area using the AmeriCorps online database, Volunteer Search.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024 Events
- Center for Food Action NJ. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Pack Event. January 15. 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. at Community Baptist Church of Englewood. 224 First Street in Englewood, New Jersey. Working together, volunteers pack weekend snack packs for school age children at risk of hunger in the community. Pre-registration is also required. Event chair, Mrs. Theodora Smiley Lacey, a lifelong civil rights advocate, emphasized children and educational equity. During the Montgomery Bus Boycott, she worked under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Hudson County Community College. 2024 Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. Annual Memorial. Thursday, January 18. 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Gabert Library, 71 Sip Avenue, Benjamin J. Dineen III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery and Atrium in Jersey City, New Jersey. Keynote Speaker Ndaba Mandela, Grandson of Nelson Mandela, Co-Founder and Chairman of Africa Rising Foundation, will also celebrate the life and legacy of one of our country’s most inspirational and impactful leaders. Furthermore, food and refreshments will be served at noon. Register here.
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee of Bergen County and the New Jersey State MLK Commission. Monday, January 15. 6:30 p.m. Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Rd, in Teaneck. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee presents Our Shared Humanity at its annual birthday celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. New Jersey State Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter will be the guest speaker. The program also includes awards and scholarships, and the Teaneck Community Chorus. In addition, see musical performances by Charles Warren, Reggie Pittman, and Valerie Johnson.
In-Person and Online Event
- New Hope Baptist Church. New Hope Baptist Church and Sheriff Anthony Cureton in partnership with The Fellowship of Black Churches of Hackensack and Vicinity present Martin Luther King Day Celebration. January 16. 1:00 p.m. The program includes Guest Speaker Senator Britnee Timberlake, State Senator from the 34th Legislative District of New Jersey, and also music by the Garden State Choral Chapter. The program will be presented in-person at 214 Berdan Place in Hackensack and online. In addition, the public may view the program online on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube using the name NewHopeHackensack. Furthermore, to dial into the program, call 725-735-9800. In addition, for more information, contact the church at 201-343-0300.
Family and Youth Events
- The Newark Museum of Art. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day: Vision in Action. January 15, 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. During the celebration, admission is free to the museum. The family-friendly program features dynamic performances, hands-on activities, and opportunities to help others. Free goods and services include the following: food and water, dental cleanings and flouride treatments for children, glucose and cholesterol screenings, rental assistance, legal services for immigrants, mental health services for children and adults, pet health and more. In addition, visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support local causes. Advanced registration is also required. Register here.
- Newark Public Library. 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture. Saturday, January 13. 2:00 p.m. The doors open at 1:00 p.m. James Brown African American Room, 2nd Floor, 5 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey. In addition, free offsite parking is available at the Essex County Parking Deck located at 20-53 Bridge Street in Newark. Dr. Tanisha C. Ford provides the guest lecture, Beyond the Mountaintop: MLK’s Radical Vision for Economic Justice. Furthermore, Dr. Ford will discuss the searing economic and political issues that shaped Dr. King’s radical vision, the ways African American women influenced his economic thought, and his message for activists today. Register here to attend.
- Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bergen County NAACP Youth Council Summit. Friday, Monday, January 12. 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The doors open at 5:00 p.m. Teaneck High School Student Center, 651 Teaneck Road, Teaneck 07666. The film, 13th, presents an in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and also examines how it reveals the nation’s history of racial inequity. Furthermore, the film is appropriate for students in grades seven through twelve. Moreover, retired judge James Young and attorney Jason Foy will lead a discussion.
Exhibition
- “Unfinished Business”. Visit this exhibit created by Paterson historian Jimmy Richardson. Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road in Wayne. Visitors will view several items about Dr. King’s legacy, including letters that show how urban and suburban areas such as Paterson and Wayne worked together for civil rights. Furthermore, the exhibition is on display through February 29, 2024. For more information about the exhibition, call (973) 694-4272.
