2025 MLK Day of Service:
NJ Events Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Guide to MLK Day of Service: Events In New Jersey

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) in New Jersey is not just a day off, but a day on - a day of service dedicated to helping others, as King himself did during his lifetime.

MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year (January 20, 2025) to pay honor to Dr. Martin Luther King and to the principles for which he lived and died.

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

Here are some of the best events and activities that typically take place on this day.

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

Northern New Jersey
2025 MLK Jr. Day of Service Events

YMCA of Newark 54th Anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Friday, January 10, 2025; @8am
The Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place
Newark NJ
Cost: $45.00
The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity has honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The breakfast allows us to take time to remember and reflect on Dr. King's vision of a community and world of peace, love, and understanding. This is a wonderful opportunity to recommit ourselves to the high ideals that Dr. King personified.
Proceeds fro this event will directly impact those in need.

Community Day Martin Luther King Jr.: Stronger Together
Monday, January 20, 2025:12 PM - 5pm
The Newark Museum of Art
49 Washington St
Newark, NJ
Free Event
Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. with a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, his teachings of social justice, and his service to the community. This year's Community Day features uplifting performances, hands-on activities, and opportunities to help others. There's something for the whole family! Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to support a local food bank, women's shelter, or church.

Jersey Cares Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service:"I Have A Dream" Walk
Monday, January 20, 2025; from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Millburn High School Track
462 Millburn Ave
Millburn, NJ
Volunteers will come together 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 this project is FREE. This event is appropriate for ages 4+.

Central New Jersey
2025 MLK Jr. Day of Service Events

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Education/Scholarship Luncheon
Saturday, January 11, 2025 : 12pm
Pines Manor
2085 Route 27
Edison, NJ
Cost: 0$ - $80
This event features guest speaker Yusef Salaam. A member of New York City Council representing Harlem, the city's 9th council district.
He is one of the Exonerated of the Central Park Five. Yusef was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (2014) and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama in 2016. He authored his memoir Better, Not Bitter and is the co-author of Punching the Air.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 36th Annual Commemorative Breakfast
Friday, January 17, 2025; 7:30am - 9:30am
Ocean Place Resort & Spa
1 Ocean Blvd,
Long Branch, NJ
Cost: $40 Adults | $15 Youth | $400 Table of 10
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County proudly celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The events features:
* Keynote: Raymond S. Santiago, Monmouth County Prosecutor
* Human Dignity Award: Pastor Terrence K. Porter, Pilgrim Baptist Church
* Togetherhood Champion Award: Itzel Perez-Hernandez, American Friends Service
* Social Responsibility Award: Congressman Andy Kim.

44th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast
Saturday, February 1, 2025 · 8am - 12pm
Hyatt Regency Princeton
102 Carnegie Center Drive
Princeton, NJ
Event Cost: $35 -$100
Join in for the Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast is hosted by the Ivy League Educational Foundation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Epsilon Upsilon Chapter.

Southern New Jersey
2025 MLK Jr. Day of Service Events

29th Annual MLK Champions of Social Justice & Equality Gala
Friday, January 17th, 2025: 7pm - 11:30pm
The Merion
1301 U.S. 130
Cinnaminson, NJ
Cost: $65 – $155
the Rutgers School of Law-Camden Black Law Student Association will be honoring three champions of Social Justice that embody the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. This is a Black Tie formal event! The night will begin with a cocktail reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by a seated dinner, the awards ceremony, and the celebration! Each Gala ticket includes an open bar, a three-course seated dinner, and a night of dancing, laughter, and celebration!
Honorees: Professor Lakeisha Fields Kevin Harden, Jr., Esq. Virginia G. Essandoh, Esq. Angella Middleton, Esq.

Stockton University Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2025; @ 9am
Stockton University
101 Vera King Farris Drive
Galloway, NJ
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is Stockton University's signature Annual Day of Service. It brings together over 500 students, community members, and community partners, and often encompasses over 15 projects both on- and off-campus. The goal of Days of Service are to provide an intensive, community-wide experience for students and to introduce them to partners where they can serve long-term and develop an ongoing relationship.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast @ Rowan University
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Eynon Ballroom, Chamberlain Student Center
201 Mullica Hill Road
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
Tickets: Breakfast: $75. There is no cost to attend the Day of Service portion of the event.
The Rowan University Division of Inclusive Excellence, Community & Belonging and the Rowan University Foundation cordially invite you to attend the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast & Day of Service. This promises to be an uplifting gathering in recognition of a true American visionary, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration offers new and unique opportunities to make a remarkable impact serving in the spirit of Dr. King. Guests will enjoy remarks from Master of Ceremonies, Rick Williams, and a featured special guest.