MLK Jr. Day, the holiday where American citizens reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings and contributions to the civil rights movement, is typically observed on the third Monday of January. For 2025, MLK Day falls on January 20th. A large component of this holiday also encompasses The Day of Service, which encourages people to volunteer to improve their communities. From marches to coat drives, there are a plethora of opportunities to get involved and honor MLK in New Jersey. Read on for a brief history of MLK, his local ties to Hudson County, and events happening in Northern New Jersey + beyond for 2025.
The History
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. His leadership was fundamental to ending the legal segregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the country. MLK rose to national prominence as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which promoted nonviolent tactics. Undoubtedly the most popular and influential movement was the massive March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. King gave his infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964 and Dr. King was then awarded the Nobel Peace Prize shortly after. He is considered one of the greatest orators of modern times, and his speeches still inspire many to this day.
Did You Know?
- King’s birth name was Michael, not Martin.
- King entered college at the age of 15.
- King received his doctorate in Systematic Theology.
- King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
- King was imprisoned nearly 30 times.
- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Cesar Chavez are the only other Americans with birthdays observed as a National Holiday.
- MLK was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
- There are over 730 streets in the United States named after Martin Luther King, Jr.
- He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal + the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
MLK’s Ties to Hudson County
According to CityofJerseyCity.org, Dr. King spoke at least twice in Jersey City in the 1960s. On September 21st, 1965, he received an honorary Doctor of Law from St. Peter’s College. Upon his reception, he gave a speech called “The American Dream” to over 500 people during the annual Michaelmas Convocation — a heavily photographed event and even televised, as Dr. King spoke out against segregation and for equality. Unfortunately, the MLK Jr. Papers Project at Stanford reported it doesn’t have a transcription of the speech, but there are many historical references to its occurrence, including a photo. From first and second-hand accounts, it was noted that he said, “The time is always now,” and postured that legislation is an important part of the civil rights battle. He was also quoted saying that “although legislation could not change a person’s ideas, it could regulate his behavior and restrain the heartlessness.” Citing his own non-violent forms of resistance, he condemned the violence and said it created more problems than it solved, foreseeing a world in which “there will be a symphony of brotherhood.” A world, “where all of god’s children, white and black, Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile, will be free at last.”
The second time Dr. King came to Hudson County was Wednesday, March 27th, 1968 which was less than seven days before his assassination. At this visit, he spoke in front of over 2,000 people at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. In another noteworthy instance in D.C., King was photographed with Jersey City police officer Charles Jackson during a speech. Officer Jackson was hired as a security coordinator to assist with the event in our nation’s capital. Today, there stands a large bust of Dr. King on MLK Boulevard in Jersey City.
MLK Day Events in Northern New Jersey + New York
MLK Day of Service: Kit Assembly | Multiple Locations
January 15th | Various Times
At this Jersey Cares event, locals can volunteer to make a variety of kits to support children in need, as well as local nonprofits and schools all over the state. The kits include Grief Sensory Kits, Sensory Kits, Adopt A Dog Kits, Veteran Support Dog Kits, Children’s Literacy Kits, and Adult Literacy Kits. These events will take place in Parsippany, Princeton, and Woodbridge on January 15th. Times for these events vary. See more information here…