In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act, designating the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a National Day of Service. Known as a "day on, not a day off," MLK Day celebrates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans spend this day completing projects such as mentoring children, delivering meals, building homes, and reflecting on Dr. King's life and teachings. The MLK Day of Service helps empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community."
Below, we’ve included just a few ways to get involved in our own community!
MLK Day Events, Service Projects, and Resources in Morris County
Livestream worship service honoring the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When: Monday, January 16 at 10:00 am
Where: Virtual
The MLK Observance Committee will present the King Day 2023 Celebration, From Dream to Action: Healing Our Divisions, with Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark, as keynote speaker.
When: Monday, January 16 at 10:00 am
Where: Virtual and In-Person at Calvary Baptist Church of Morristown
Join 1,250 volunteers in solidarity to support the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and social justice causes by walking 2 miles or running a 5k. 50% of all funds raised for this project support the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Registration for the walk/run is FREE, but volunteers are encouraged to fundraise!
When: Monday, January 16 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Virtual
AmeriCorps and other King Day of Service champions will present ideas for engaging with your organization and community in service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When/Where: Pre-recorded webinar
Dr. Jon Curley's "Newark Narratives" class at NJIT will watch a prerecorded interview of filmmakers Marylou & Jerome Bongiorno discussing their documentary film, “RUST,” on solutions to poverty and racism, focusing on the city of Newark, NJ.
When: Tuesday, January 17 at 7:00 pm
Where: Virtual
JAS Radio focuses on the weight of the literary and performing arts in heritage and culture. A celebration of the true diversity of artists who have helped to shape and capture history and heritage through recorded and live performances, music, interviews and interaction between the host and creatives.
When: Thursday, January 19 at 7:00 pm
Where: Virtual
When: Thursday, January 19 at 3:00 pm
Where: Virtual
8. Denville Voices for Racial Justice - Food Drive for Local Children
Donate Rise and Shine Breakfast Bags to support nourish.NJ’s mission to help fight food insecurity in our community. For more info, email denvillevoices@gmail.com.
When: Accepted through Monday, January 23
Where: Denville Community Church
Additional Resources Beyond MLK Day