Monday, January 16, 2023 is Martin Luther King, Jr., Day— a federally recognized holiday honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—an unparalleled leader and hero of the American civil rights movement. Dr. King dedicated his life to non-violent advocacy for racial and economic justice. Fifty-five years after his tragic assassination, the legacy of his powerful vision, sacrifice, and words continues to inspire the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
MLK Day of Service – “A Day On, Not a Day Off”
In 1994, the scope of the federal holiday honoring the memory of Dr. King was officially expanded to support service opportunities reflecting the life and teachings of Dr. King, such as cooperation and understanding among racial and ethnic groups, nonviolent conflict resolution, equal economic and educational opportunities, and social justice.
(See https://www.govinfo.gov/features/MLK-day-2022).
Today, people observe by supporting efforts that contribute to the work left to be done. Start today to plan your day of service by exploring MLK Day of Service observances near you. Go to your favorite web browser to search for local activities or find creative ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy and make it a day on, not a day off!
Here are some programs and events for MLK Day 2023 sponsored by public universities throughout New Jersey:
- Rutgers – Camden – Jan. 16, 2023
https://camden.rutgers.edu/event/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-service - Rutgers – Newark – Jan. 14, 2023
https://diversity.rutgers.edu/event/2023-commemorative-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-lecture - Rutgers-New Brunswick – Jan. 23-31, 2023
http://culturalcollaborative.rutgers.edu/mlk-legacy-series/ - Kean University – Jan. 16, 2023
http://kutower.com/2022/12/16/mlks-library-book-drive-for-mlk-day/ - Montclair University – Jan. 16, 2023
https://www.montclair.edu/volunteer-center/service/mlk-day/ - New Jersey City University – Jan. 19, 2023
https://www.njcu.edu/student-life/campus-services-resources/lee-hagan-africana-studies-center/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-celebration - Rowan University – Jan. 16, 2023
https://www.alumni.rowan.edu/s/1653/02-alumni/index.aspx?sid=1653&pgid=3531&gid=2&cid=6361&ecid=6361&post_id=0 - Stockton University – Jan. 16, 2023
https://stockton.edu/engagement/mlk-day.html
Did you Know?
Dr. King delivered the historic “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, before a quarter-million peaceful demonstrators at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on April 28, 1963? To learn more, click here, or cut and paste this link into your web browser: https://www.naacpldf.org/march-on-washington/
Racial Justice Initiatives at LPS
Additional Resources
- NJ MLK Commemorative Commission https://nj.gov/state/mlk.shtml
- Newark Museum of Art MLK Jr. Community Day – Act of Kindness https://bit.ly/3Gwt10K
- AmeriCorps MLKDay.gov
