2020 MLK Day of Service:
Events In New Jersey Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year (January 20, 2020) to pay honor to Dr. Martin Luther King and to the principles for which he lived and died.

MLK Day  also celebrates the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the history of the civil rights movement in the United States

The other component of the MLK holiday is "The Day of Service" which fosters his legacy by transforming the federal holiday into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings of nonviolence and social justice.

The idea is to make the holiday a day where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the " Community” that Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned.

On MLK Day, many of the events throughout NJ are set up for volunteers as a day of service to the community.

Note: This information is provided by event sponsors as a free service to our viewers. Sometimes conditions require cancellations or changes of dates, times and location which are not reflected in the original schedule. Before planning a trip to visit one of the listed events, it is suggested that you call the event sponsor to confirm the event schedule or for additional information on the event.

Stay tuned --- we will be updating this list as the event sponsors confirm this year's events.

2020 MLK Day Events in New Jersey
Multiple Locations

Jersey Cares Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2020
At various locations throughout New Jersey
Website (Information, volunteering & registration)
The Jersey Cares Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service engages people across the state to embody Dr. King's vision and bring people of all ages and backgrounds together, strengthening their communities and building a stronger New Jersey. This year, 2,200 volunteers will honor Dr. King's legacy at 10 sites across the state.

2020 MLK Day Events in Northern New Jersey

Oaks and Acorns (Martin Luther King, A National Hero)
Wednesday, January 15, 2020: from 1pm to 2:00 pm
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave.
Summit, NJ 07901
908-273-8787
Website  
(ages 3 to 5 with adult)
Registration is required
Take nature walks, tell stories, and create a one-of-a-kind art project every week. This shared nature experience is one you both will treasure! Today we will learn about this famous man who left a wonderful message for us. Register early since space is limited. Family Level membership is required. Membership must be current on day of event to receive membership benefit.

YMCA of Newark 49th Annual Memorial Breakfast Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, January 17, 2020, @ 8:00 AM
Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place
Newark NJ
Website (for information and tickets)
This event features guest speaker is Marcia Wilson Brown Vice Chancellor for External and Governmental Affairs Rutgers University Newark Former Leaders and Legends Hono. This breakfast allows us to take time from our busy schedule to remember and reflect on Dr. King’s vision of a community and world of peace, love and understanding

Bloomfield MLK Day of Service
Saturday, January 18, 2020; 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Bloomfield Middle School
60 Huck Rd
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Website
Come out and support community members in need. They will be making 2000 Hygiene kits for individuals and families. This event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Day of service committee and the Township of Bloomfield.

Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration: Stephanie Mills & The Whispers
Saturday, January 18, 2020 @ 8:00 PM
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark, NJ
Tickets
Be inspired by the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at NJPAC's annual musical tribute, featuring Stephanie Mills. She’ll perform hits from her five gold albums, including: “I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love”, “Something in the Way (You Make Me Feel)”, “Never Knew Love Like This Before”, And, of course, the soul-stirring anthem “Home” from The Wiz.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Celebrating Freedom & Community
Monday, January 20, 2020; 10am - 5 pm
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102-3176
973.596.6550
Website
This event features a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of films, musical performances, tours and hands-on workshops for the whole family. The event will honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and help fulfill his dream of building a "beloved community" while passing on his message of freedom and equality to future generations. Central New Jersey MLK Jr. Celebrations.

Bridges MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2020; 10-11:30 am
120 Morris Ave.
Summit, NJ
Website
Join in to support a number programs and activities where they will be making fresh lunches and fleece quilts for families experiencing homelessness in shelter :
Pre-K to 2nd Grade: decorate lunch bags Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6: make quilts for a sheltered child Grades 7 to Adults: make brown bag lunches

Kinard Family Helping Hands - MLK Day of Service
January 20, 2020; Noon - 8:30pm.
224 Sussex Ave
Newark, NJ 07103
Website
Contact: Florence Kinard Mason, fm8377@gmail.com
This will be the Kinard Family Helping Hands 7th Year of a "Day of Service" honoring Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
They we will be working inside a homeless shelter for men and women. They are in need of food servers, help with distributing clothes, toiletries, literature, etc. Keep tables stacked with food and giveaways. Also, you can make donations, bring new or gently worn clothes for men, women and children, non- perishable food and items that do not require cooking. Bring a smile and a warm heart.

Montclair State University MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2020; 7:30 am-4:30 pm (Rain or shine! Snow Date: Saturday, January 25th)
Student Center Cafeteria
1 Normal Ave.
Montclair, NJ
Website
Join in to support MLK Day at one of the many service projects available on and off campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members are all welcome, so bring a friend! Introductory speakers, breakfast, and bus transportation will be provided. Service Projects Many of the activities are outdoors so please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Some activities will take place on campus and others off.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Morris Museum - Vacation Workshop
Monday, January 20, 2020; 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morristown, New Jersey 07960
Website
Members: FREE, Non-Members: $3
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by making a peace dove craft, then participate in an interactive experience in their latest exhibit: The Adventures of Baron Von Steubon and Cromwell: A Kinetic Tale by David Bowman.

Scotch Plains Fanwood Martin Luther King Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2020: 10am - 5pm
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
1340 Martine Ave
Scotch Plains, NJ
Website/information
Opening Program & Volunteer Fair @ 9:30am
"Adults and families welcome! Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King! Join in song and celebration! Learn about volunteer opportunities in our community!"
Please note: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all MLK Day activities.

NJCU 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration & Scholarship Brunch
January 22, 2020: 10am - 12pm
New Jersey City University
Gilligan Student Union
2039 JFK Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07305-1597
Web Site/Tickets
Brunch is served at 10 a.m. Program begins at 10:30 a.m.
Admission: $40 -- $20 With NJCU Student ID
This event features Keynote Speaker Angela V. McKnight Assemblywoman, New Jersey 31st Legislative District Angela V. McKnight is the first African-American Assemblywoman for her district and was recently elected to serve her 3rd term. In her role, she is currently Vice Chair of the Women and Children committee and sits on the State and Local Government committee. .
There will also be Scholarship awards.

2020 MLK Day Events in Central New Jersey

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Education/Scholarship Luncheon
Saturday, January 11, 2020 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pines Manor
2085 Route 27 (Lincoln Hwy)
Edison, NJ 08817
Tickets Ticket Donation: $65.00, *$40.00 of the ticket donation is Federal Tax Deductible.
This event features Keynote Speaker: Eddie S. Glaude Jr, the chairman of the Department of African American Studies, Princeton University. His most well-known book, Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul. Dr. Glaude a Morehouse man, has written for The New York Times and The Huffington Post. He is a columnist for Time Magazine and regularly provides commentary on radio and television news programs.

Annual YMCA 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Friday, January 17, 2020; 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Sheraton Eatontown Hotel
6 Industrial Way East
Eatontown, NJ, 07724
Event tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for youth who are 16 & under and $250 for a table of 10. For questions, please contact Event Manager, Sandy Riddle at 732.671.5505 ext. 119 or email giving@ymcanj.org.
Website / Tickets / Essay Contest application
This event features Keynote Speaker Wayne Boatwright, Hackensack Meridian Health's Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion.
As part of their commitment to engage more youth and inspire future leaders, high school students from greater Monmouth County are invited to participate in an essay contest. Two essays will be selected as grand prize winners. Winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship for their education, generously donated by Hackensack Meridian Health and New Jersey Natural Gas, as well as a full-year youth membership to a YMCA of Greater Monmouth County branch of their choice.

MLK Commemorative Event
Sunday, January 19, 2020, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m
New Jersey State Museum Auditorium
205 West State Street
Trenton NJ
Website - Event Details
This event is free and open to the public. This year's program, "Telling Our Story," will focus on women leaders of the movement for civil rights and equal justice. They will honor young people who have competed in our essay contest about 10 "Women Who Led…..they cared, they dared," and how their legacy relates to that of Dr. King. They will also focus on the importance of CENSUS 2020, and how the census helps us to tell our story, the story of our families and our communities.

Arts Council of Princeton Celebration of the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Monday, January 20, 2020 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Arts Council of Princeton
Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
102 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
609 -924 -8777
Website / Registration
Free and open to everyone.
This family-friendly event includes a free community breakfast and conversation with speakers Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Ruha Benjamin, author & Professor in the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University

39th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast with Guest Speaker Rev. Buster Soaries
Monday, January 20, 2020; 8 AM – 12 PM
Hyatt Regency Princeton
102 Carnegie Center Drive
Princeton, NJ 08540
Tickets
The ticket cost is $50
Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and the Breakfast will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. This year's theme of the Breakfast is: "Stand Up and Be Counted".

MLK Anniversary Event
January 20, 2020: 8:30am
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
200 Atrium Drive ​
Somerset, NJ 08873 ​
Tickets $35
This event, serving a breakfast buffet, is a ​celebration of the life, mission, and teachings of Dr. King, featuring Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lamont Repollet, Department of Education Commissioner

West Windsor MLK Day of Service/Food and Clothing Drive
Monday, January 20, 2020 10 am to 1 pm
West Windsor Arts Center
952 Alexander Rd.
Princeton Junction, NJ
(609) 716-1931
Website Register on-line
Join in for a day of service projects, speakers, music, and friends. Activities for the whole family. Register online for a timeslot at www.westwindsorarts.org. Donate goods in advance or bring them with you.

2020 MLK Day Events in Southern New Jersey

Martin Luther King Jr Ceremony and Soul Food Lunch
January 20, 2020; 12:00pm — 3:00pm
Hughes Performing Arts Center
Ocean City High School
entrance is on the beach block of 6th St.
501 Atlantic Ave.
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Website
609-399-6111
This event will being the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song, and dance. After the program, everybody is invited to a free soul food dinner in the high school cafeteria. The menu includes fried chicken and other comfort food. Donations will be accepted and benefit OCNJ CARE.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration & Award Ceremony
Monday, January 20, 2020; 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Paris Caterers
281 Berlin - Cross Keys Road
Berlin, NJ 08009
Tickets
Cost: $25
Come out and meet our leaders that are being honored this year. This program is also filled with amazing surprises and performances that will have you galvanized. The focus this year is The Dream Remembered...The Journey Never Forgotten. With being in such a polarizing political climate it is even more important to remember the values of this great leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Help us keep the DREAM ALIVE!
Attendees wil get to enjoy a full buffet breakfast with a fresh omelet station.

34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast @ Rowan University
Monday, January 20, 2020 @8:30 a.m.
Eynon Ballroom, Chamberlain Student Center
201 Mullica Hill Road
Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey 08028
Website - Tickets
856-256-4059, polk@rowan.edu
Tickets $75 per person
This year's keynote speaker will be Judith Jamison. You are invited to participate through service as we unify our Rowan and Glassboro community. Volunteers will be able to select a volunteer opportunity that interests them during the registration process. Guests are also welcome to bring donations for The SHOP Food Pantry and Resource Center for students. Pantry items available to students in need include nonperishable food, school supplies, toiletries and hygiene products.

Gloucester Township’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2020; 8:30 am - noon
Charles W. Lewis Middle School
875 Erial Road
Blackwood, NJ
Website/Registration
This event features the joining with Mayor David Mayer, Township Council, Gloucester Township Public Schools, and Friends and Neighbors by volunteering your time to fulfill Dr. King's dream of helping others. As Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: "What are you doing for others?" Be a part of fun and worthwhile service projects that have a lasting impact on our entire community.
8:30 A.M. Registration and Continental Breakfast.

Martin Luther King Day of Service at Rutgers–Camden
Monday, January 20, 2020; 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Rutgers - Camden
326 Penn St
Camden, NJ
Schedule & Registration
This event features a national call to service to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteers, families, and community members come together to participate in a day of action, both on the campus and in the community. Activities are open to students, faculty, and staff of the university; their families; and children and adults from across the City of Camden and the State of New Jersey.

Stockton University Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2020; @ 8am
Stockton University
101 Vera King Farris Drive
Galloway, NJ 08205-9441
Volunteer registration and event information
Volunteers are being accepted. Registration and Breakfast begin at 8:00am, the Program & Celebration will begin at 9:00am, Service Projects run from 10:00am - 2:00pm.
All volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch and a free give-a-way.

Rutgers BLSA-MLK Gala 2020
Friday, January 24, 2020; 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Camden County Boathouse
7050 North Park Drive
Pennsauken Township, NJ 08109
Website /Tickets
Cost: General Admission: $75; Past Honoree Admission $50 & Student Admission $25.00
The Black Law Students Association of Rutgers-Camden is hosting the 24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Champions of Social Justice and Equality Gala and Awards Ceremony. In celebration of BLSA's 51st anniversary, this year's banquet will be semi-formal/formal. This year, they are honoring: Michele Meyer-Shipp, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at KPMG Andrea McChristian, Law and Public Policy Director of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Raymond M. Williams, National Diversity and Inclusion Partner at DLA Piper

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