On January 20, 2025, the nation will mark the 30th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service.
This federal holiday, which honors the life and legacy of our nation’s most prominent civil rights champion invites all Americans to come together to serve their communities in a demonstration of the values Dr. King championed throughout his life—justice, equality, and nonviolent action for social change.
The first official Martin Luther King Jr. Day was observed on January 20, 1986, and it became a federal holiday commemorating the only African-American individual honored with such a recognition.
In 1994, Congress further cemented Dr. King’s legacy by designating the day as a “National Day of Service.”
The third Monday of January each year has since been marked as a “Day On, Not a Day Off,” with an emphasis on volunteerism and community improvement across the United States.
Dr. King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement fundamentally reshaped American society. He advocated for nonviolent resistance as a means to combat racial injustice.
His organizing efforts, including sit-ins, marches, and speeches, brought national attention to the widespread inequities faced by African-Americans.
One of the movement’s most iconic moments was Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, which was the largest gathering for civil rights of its time, calling for an end to segregation and discrimination.
Dr. King’s accomplishments were recognized globally when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, at the age of 35, making him the youngest recipient of the prestigious honor at that time.
Tragically, Dr. King’s life was cut short when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had traveled to support sanitation workers striking for better wages and working conditions. He was 39 years old.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service serves as an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s message of unity and equality.
Across the country, millions of Americans participate in volunteer efforts aimed at strengthening their communities, from food drives to environmental clean-ups to mentorship programs. The day encourages people of all ages to contribute to the common good and promote the spirit of togetherness and service.
In New Jersey, numerous events will be held to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Local governments, schools, and community organizations are preparing a range of volunteer activities, including food pantries and clean-up initiatives, that will provide opportunities for residents to give back to their communities.
The People’s Organization For Progress (POP) is organizing the Martin Luther King March of Resistance on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at noon, which will begin at the Martin Luther King Statue, located at 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Newark.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Committee will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2025, with an interfaith breakfast at the Hyatt Hotel from 8 am to 10 am and a Commemorative Service at the Calvary Baptist Church at noon.
The Jersey Cares Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will bring volunteers of all ages and backgrounds together, strengthening their communities and building a stronger New Jersey, to honor Dr. King’s legacy through a variety of projects.
Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, with a ceremony starting at noon at the Ocean City Tabernacle, in an that event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song and dance, followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon.
The New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission has been largely inactive during the administration of Governor Phil Murphy, but other local organizations often host an annual celebration that includes a series of service projects, educational programs, and special performances.
In addition to volunteering, many schools, museums, and cultural institutions across New Jersey will hold programs, including speeches, panel discussions, and exhibits, that highlight the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equity.
These events provide a chance to reflect on the progress made since Dr. King’s time and to continue the work of advancing his ideals in the present day.
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the National Day of Service, the call to “Make it a Day On, Not a Day Off” remains a powerful reminder of the work yet to be done. Dr. King’s vision for a just society compels all Americans to serve their communities and to stand in solidarity with those still seeking equality and justice.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as communities across the nation come together to volunteer and serve, we honor the memory of a husband, father, and leader whose dream of equality continues to inspire change in the world today.