5 Ways To Continue Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

Bergen County celebrates MLK’s spirit with film screenings, service projects, interfaith gatherings and much more.

On Jan. 20, we honor the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who would have turned 96 this year. Since his death 57 years ago, we use his legacy to spread awareness of tolerance and fight for equality. The day also is a National Day of Service, when everyone is encouraged to host, partner and engage in community service.

Below are ways you can observe the day and make an impact in the community.

Young ones can participate in the Bergen County NAACP Youth Council’s panel discussion on Jan. 17 at Teaneck High School. The topic to be discussed is “Has ‘The Dream’ Come True? Where Are We Today?” Doors open at 6 p.m., and the meeting starts at 6:30

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee of Ridgewood & Glen Rock holds its 43rd Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Weekend from Jan. 17 to 20. The festival starts with a screening of Quincy on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Ridgewood Library. A Day of Service Project takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 18—residents can drop off donations of food and toiletries at that time. At 10 a.m. on Jan. 20 at Ridgewood United Methodist Church, local leaders join Rev. Dr. Micah McCreary, president of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, in an Interfaith Worship Service.

The Center for Food Action in Englewood holds its sixth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service snack pack event. Beginning at noon on Saturday, Jan. 18, volunteers can pack weekend snacks for school age children at risk of hunger in the community. Participants can expect to assemble 2,000 snack packs for area children in need. Registration is required.

Join the Bergen County NAACP, Fellowship of Black Churches and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The program takes place at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at New Hope Baptist Church in Hackensack.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Committee of Bergen County gathers for a MLK Day Celebration at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at Temple Emeth in Teaneck. The guest speaker will be journalist DeMarco Morgan of Good Morning America, with additional presentations by Teaneck poet laureate Scott Pleasant and Charles Warren and Juanita Brown of Teaneck Community Chorus.

How are you observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Share your thoughts and photos with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.