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 of Service on January 20 and also his legacy in the pursuit of racial equity, justice, inclusion and critical thinking about our society.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2025 Day of Service
Every day, the Foundation asks: What can we do together that we can’t do alone? Furthermore, through collaboration, we talk and learn from each other. In addition, we share ideas, best practices, and resources. We encourage residents in northern New Jersey to be inspired and also participate in activities and events taking place to commemorate the 30th anniversary of this day of service.
How can you get involved on this day and also at other times? Find a service activity. In addition, join others and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work advocating for racial and social justice. Furthermore, remember the needs in our communities in northern New Jersey continue beyond this day of service. During the year, also find a topic or issue that interests you. Moreoever, volunteer in your community.
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation can also help you find an activity, event, or volunteer opportunity. For this reason, we compiled a handy list of events and activities taking place during January.
Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service Activities
- Jersey Cares. Jersey Cares observes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service with a statewide celebration of in person and also 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 select from a list of projects.
- AmeriCorps Day of Service. Building a Beloved Community: Celebrate 30 Years of MLK Day. Find a volunteer opportunity in your area using the AmeriCorps online database, Volunteer Search.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2025 Events
- Center for Food Action (CFA) NJ. Sixth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Snack Pack Event. Saturday, January 18. 12:00 p.m. Community Baptist Church of Englewood. 224 First Street in Englewood. Working together, volunteers pack weekend snack packs for school age children at risk of hunger in the community. Participants pack approximately 2,000 snack packs for area children in need. In addition, the CFA asks participants to make a donation of $60 to provide ten snack packs to help families. CFA also requires advanced registration here. 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. 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial. Tuesday, January 28. 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. HCCC Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. Dr. Ilyasah Shabbaz, author, public speaker, activist and daughter of Malcom X, presents the keynote speech. Furthermore, food and refreshments will be served at noon. After the presentation, an opening reception of the Civil Rights Art Exhibition also takes place in the Benjamin J. Dineen and Dennis C. Hull Gallery in the Gabert Library. Register here.
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee of Bergen County and also the New Jersey State MLK Commission. Monday, January 20. 6:30 p.m. Temple Emeth, 1666 Windsor Rd, in Teaneck. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee presents Defending Our Democracy at its annual birthday celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. DeMarco Morgan, a journalist on Good Morning America ABC, presents the guest speech. The program also includes awards and scholarships, Teaneck Poet Laureate Scott Pleasant and the Teaneck Community Chorus. For further information, contact mlkbirthdaycommittee@gmail.com.
Family and Youth Events
- The Newark Museum of Art. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day: Stronger Together. Monday, January 20. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Enjoy a schedule of performances for the family. Also, check their website for additional updates about the schedule.
- Newark Public Library. 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture. Saturday, January 18. 2:00 p.m. 5 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey. James Brown African American Room, second floor. In addition, free offsite parking is available at the Essex County Parking Deck located at 20 Bridge Street in Newark. Grammy-nominated poet and activist Kevin Powell provides the guest lecture, If Dr. King and Malcolm X Were Here Now: A Speech with Kevin Powell. Furthermore, Dr. Ford will discuss how the work of these leaders continues today. A reception begins at 1:00 p.m. Register to attend.
- Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bergen County NAACP Youth Council Panel Discussion. Has “The Dream” Come True? Where Are We Today? Friday, January 17. 6:30 p.m. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. Teaneck High School, 651 Teaneck Road, Teaneck 07666. Free. Open to all students.
