Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation joins Americans across the country in celebrating the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The NNJCF also remember his contributions on a national day of service. Every day, the Foundation asks: What can we do together that we can’t do alone?  We invite residents in northern New Jersey to achieve this by being inspired and coming together with others.

Participate in the 28th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 16, 2023. By collaborating, we also talk and learn from each other.  In addition, we share ideas, best practices, and resources.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

How can you get involved that day and throughout the year? First, find a service activity. Secondly, 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. 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.  Therefore, we compiled this handy list of events taking place on Martin Luther King Weekend and on Monday, January 16.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Activities

  • AmeriCorps Day of Service. Find a volunteer opportunity in your area using the AmeriCorps online database, Volunteer Search.
  • Center for Food Action NJ. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Weekend Snack Pack event. January 16. 12:00 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 in need in the community.  Pre-registration is required.
  • 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. Activities and events take place for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to undertake a range of projects. Visit their website to find a list of projects from which to select.

Events

  • The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee of Bergen County. Monday, January 16. 6:30 p.m.  Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Rd, in Teaneck. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee presents ‘Democracy Matters’ at its annual birthday celebration and remembrance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King in-person.  Anthony Johnson of WABC-TV news serves as host and Helen Archontou, CEO, YWCA Northern New Jersey, presents the keynote speech.  The program will also be livestreamed online at Temple Emeth Livestream and Temple Emeth Facebook.
  • New Hope Baptist Church. Sheriff Anthony Cureton in partnership with New Hope Baptist Church present ‘Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration’. January 16. 1:00 p.m. service. Guest speaker Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, 35th Legislative District. Community food distribution will be undertaken in partnership with the Center for Food Action at 3:00 p.m. The program takes place in-person at 214 Berdan Place in Hackensack and livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube at NewHopeHackensack and on their website. Contact the church for details at 725-735-9800
  • Newark Public Library. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture. January 14. 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Reception12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. James Brown African American Room, 2nd Floor, 5 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey. Free offsite parking is available at the Essex County Parking Deck located at 20-53 Bridge Street in Newark. Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Initiatives, provides the guest lecture. Morris, the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington, will discuss how the image of Frederick Douglass shaped his legacy and the civil rights movement in the United States. First come, first seated. Register here to attend.

Family and Youth Events

  • Newark Museum of Art. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day: Acts of Kindness. January 16, 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.  In addition, Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support a local food bank, a women’s shelter, or a church. For information and to register, click here.
  • NJ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Youth Conference. January 16. 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Virtual. Free. The New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commission presents ‘Injustice Anywhere Is a Threat to Justice Everywhere’. The commission works to raise public awareness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideals and philosophy. The Commemorative Celebration brings together a diverse group of people to celebrate Dr. King’s life’s work and legacy. Register here.

 

 

 

 

 

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