On Monday, communities across New Jersey will gather not just to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but to live out the justice-driven spirit of his legacy.
Local organizations are marking the day with powerful conversations led by faith leaders, advocates, and change-makers committed to carrying King’s vision forward.
Kearny
The day begins with “Justice and Hope: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through Action,” a discussion hosted jointly by the New Jersey Reentry Corporation — which supports returning citizens, veterans, and survivors of domestic violence — and The Links Inc., a nonprofit founded by Black women in 1946 to advance the cultural and economic well‑being of people of African ancestry.
The program will pay tribute to King and feature a panel of attorneys, civil rights advocates, court-involved individuals and examining issues of justice, dignity, reentry and community responsibility.
Lt. Gov.-elect Dale Caldwell is scheduled to participate and reflect on building stronger communities through service and accountability.
“Justice is not optional,” said Lt. Gov.-elect Caldwell at an interfaith event last Sunday. “It is essential. Justice is not a slogan. It is a lifestyle.”
The event is at the Governor’s Reentry Training & Employment Center, 195 Campus Drive, Kearny, at 11 a.m. on Monday.
Newark
Sponsored by the People’s Organization for Progress (POP) and endorsed by more than 270 grassroots, civic, labor, religious and social justice organizations statewide, the Monday “Martin Luther King March of Resistance” will protest racial and economic injustice, attacks on voting rights, ICE killings and brutality and U.S. foreign policy, including actions in Venezuela, Gaza and Africa.
“The purpose of the march is to demonstrate our commitment to the goals and ideals of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, and our opposition to the racist, fascist, unjust and undemocratic policies of the Trump administration at home and abroad,” said Lawrence Hamm, founder and chairman of POP.
The march will begin with a rally at noon at the MLK statue at 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Newark, followed by a march to the Federal Building at 970 Broad St. and conclude with a return rally.
South Orange/Maplewood
Later in the afternoon, the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race will hold its 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observance, themed “Do Not Erase Our History.”
The program will feature keynote speaker Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad of Princeton University, readings from King’s writings, student performances and remarks from local clergy, followed by a reception and historical exhibit.
“Remembering what Dr. King fought and died for now is more important than ever,” Muhammad said. “His legacy is literally being erased right before our very eyes. We owe it to justice truth and democracy, to fight with everything we’ve got to stop what is happening.”
The program is at the Columbia High School auditorium, 17 Parker Ave., Maplewood, 2 p.m. on Monday.
Later in the day, South Orange and Maplewood businesses and residents are invited to illuminate their homes and storefronts as the sun sets. Organizers hope thousands of lights across the community will serve as a sign of hope, sanctuary, peace and solidarity with King’s vision.
Volunteers will work with local youth groups to assemble luminary kits — white paper bags illuminated with tea lights and decorated with images and words symbolizing peace and community. The luminaries are sold in packs of four for a suggested donation of $10, with proceeds benefiting the Coalition.
Residents may preorder luminary kits online and pick them up at The Able Baker General Store Shops and Cafe, 187 Maplewood Ave., and The Baird Cafe and Lounge in South Orange, 5 Mead St. To purchase kits for a large group or residential block, email MLKLuminaryProject@gmail.com.
The day will culminate at 5 p.m. with a community luminary lighting around the pond at Meadowland Park, 5 Mead St. in South Orange.
Participants are encouraged to bring canned food to weigh down the luminaries, which will later be donated to a local food pantry.