Rosa Parks Day honors the American Civil Rights hero on December 1st, 1955, the day she refused to give up her seat in a bus to a white person and move to the back of the bus. Mrs. Parks was arrested that day for violating segregation laws. This act began a journey toward the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and its monumental role in the Civil Rights struggle and the emergence of Dr. King, age 26, as a voice for the boycott.
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Commission Chair George Guy, Jr. raised public awareness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideals and philosophy as he represented the Commission during the Community segment of PHL 17 in Philadelphia. Below is the brief video interview.
For more information on activities happening statewide to honor Dr. King, For details, download the 2025 MLK Day Commemorative Events and Celebrations list.
After reviewing submissions from almost 200 New Jersey high school seniors, the New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission is pleased to introduce the 10 winners of the 2025 NJ MLK Jr Scholarship Essay Contest.
‘Looking Back at Dr. King’s 1964 Nobel Peace Prize speech
MLK24 Scholar: 1
Rchin Bari
Brown University
Essex County Newark Tech
MLK24 Scholar: 2
Brooke Bokser
Cornell University
Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest
MLK24 Scholar: 3
Alondra Calva
Villanova University
John E Dwyer Technology Academy
MLK24 Scholar: 4
Taylor Douglas
American University
Freehold Township High School
MLK24 Scholar: 5
Ella Ehrlich
Cornell University
Bergen County Academies
MLK24 Scholar: 6
Bernard Liang
Duke University
Manalapan High School
MLK24 Scholar: 7
Reese Passuth
University of Hartford
Union County Vocational Technical High School
MLK24 Scholar: 8
Savannah Rodriguez
Hampton University
Rahway High School
MLK24 Scholar: 9
Makenna Thomas
Alvernia University
Vernon Township High School
MLK24 Scholar: 10
Rochelle Vil
TBD
William L. Dickinson High School
“The 2024 essay contest winners shared insightful comments about the significance of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Dr. King as reflected in his remarkable speech,” said New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the MLK Jr. Commission in her capacity as Secretary of State. “I applaud these young people for their commitment to community service and furthering the legacy of Dr. King through both their words and their actions.”
A virtual awards ceremony was held in the evening of May 29 to announce the 2024 MLK Scholars who come from across the state. Hosted by NJ MLK JR Commission Chairman George Guy and members of the Commission, the ten scholars were in attendance to accept their awards.
“On behalf of the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, we extend our congratulations to our ten MLK Scholars who will be moving onto post-secondary education in the fall,” said Commission Chairman George Guy. “Their essays about Dr. King’s famous Nobel Prize speech and how his work continues to inspire both their academic work and community service, gives us all abundant hope for the future.”
The 2024 MLK Scholars will be awarded $5,000 scholarship for the university or college of their choice in the fall of 2024.
After reviewing submissions for almost 200 New Jersey high school seniors, the New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission announces the 10 winners of ‘Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere’ 2023 Scholarship Essay Contest:
MLK23 Scholar: 1
SEKNA BAZZI
Barnard College of Columbia University
Science Park High School
MLK23 Scholar: 2
ALBERT CAESAR
Princeton University
Ridge High School
MLK23 Scholar: 3
SPENCER JAHNG
TBA
The Pingry School
MLK23 Scholar: 4
MIRIKA JAMBUDI
Harvard University
The Pingry School
MLK23 Scholar: 5
MATTHEW LEE
Columbia University
East Brunswick High School
MLK23 Scholar: 6
JADA SAMPSON
TBA
Academy for Performing Arts
MLK23 Scholar: 7
KASAI SANCHEZ
William Paterson University
Teaneck High School
MLK23 Scholar: 8
AMANDA THOMAS
TBA
Union County Magnet High School
MLK23 Scholar: 9
DEVIN TORRES
University of Southern California
Lenape High School
MLK23 Scholar: 10
JEFFREY XU
Princeton University
Livingston High School
“Our 2023 essay contest winners demonstrated a thoughtful understanding of how Dr. King’s fight against injustice was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent resistance movement that successfully ended almost a century of British colonial rule in India. I am thrilled to congratulate these young leaders and extend our wishes for their future success,” said NJ Secretary of State Tahesha Way.
“On behalf of the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, we extend our congratulations to our ten MLK Scholars who will be entering college in the fall,” Commission Chairman George Guy said. “Their essays about Dr. King’s legacy and his inspiration for their academic work and community service, has given all of us great hope for the future.”
The 2023 MLK Scholars will be awarded $5,000 scholarship for the university or college of their choice.
We, the Commissioners of the New Jersey Martin Luther King Commemorative Commission, denounce the senseless murders of George Floyd; Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and countless other African Americans who for too long have been the victims of institutionalized racial injustice in this country. In his book Why We Can’t Wait, Dr. King wrote “Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.” We decry the effects of systemic racial discrimination, not with a whisper, but with a thunderous outcry that we will match with renewed vigilance and purposeful and powerful actions.
Each year, the Commission, the first such State Commission in the Nation, recalls historical events in the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, while focusing on issues of current import. We have commemorated the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in baseball, and “Women Who Led” in the struggle for civil rights. This year, we have chosen the theme: “Youth, We Hear You,” recognizing the emerging voices of a new generation. We will host a Youth Town Hall in the Fall, and our annual Commemorative on January 17, 2021, which will be followed by a statewide virtual Youth Conference and Day of Service on January 18, 2021.
In the face of the recent historically deplorable events, and the extraordinary moment that they offer, the Commission plans to develop an agenda focused on key issues that provide both challenges and opportunities for progress. We believe that New Jersey can be a role model to finally recognize the fullest manifestation of democracy in this country. This vision calls for policies that guarantee equal protection under the law; that promise that race and poverty will no longer be death sentences; and an end to mass incarceration. We call for eliminating deadly force police protocols, de-militarized policing, developing a comprehensive plan to end school desegregation, and exploring ideas that are being studied related to reparative justice. We also call for appropriate funding for counseling services for students to address bullying and racial discrimination. We will make our agenda known throughout the state and will invite groups and individuals, of all ages and backgrounds, to join us in achieving these objectives. We will also highlight the ongoing work of organizations throughout New Jersey and provide a platform for them to share our mutual commitment and goals.
As we recognize Dr. King’s call to action in the “fierce urgency of now,” we call upon everyone to become involved, to join us in partnership, and to go from strength to strength together. Please join us!
It has been 400 years since the first arrival in English-occupied North America of enslaved people from Africa. To mark this anniversary, the Commission is highlighting resources related to the history of slavery in New Jersey.
On Sunday, January 16th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission will be presenting “The Fierce Urgency of Now.”
This year’s program will include Secretary of State Tahesha Way, a round table discussion on health disparities, musical performances and special announcements, all of which will honor the life and legacy of Dr. King.
This is a FREE event and is open to the general public. So invite your friends, families, colleagues, neighbors, and those who may be interested in attending an event that reminds us that justice, equality, and peace are attainable.
The New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commission continuously works to raise public awareness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ideals and philosophy.
Join the King Center for ActivateU: The College Edition.
ActivateU is a three day virtual experience where attendees learn to understand and apply nonviolence today for societal, cultural, and personal transformation. This interactive virtual experience is tailored for all college students
Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence is relevant, powerful, and strategic for challenging and changing unjust ideologies, policies, systems, and practices. For more details and scholarship information visit thekingcenter.org
On August 4, 2021, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission held its strategic planning retreat at Mercer County College Conference Center. (Left to Right: Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso, Rev. Jack Johnson, Pastor Bernadette Glover, Bahiyyah Abdullah, Wanda Sims, Rowena Madden, Charles Menifield, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Chair George Guy, Jr. Also in attendance, via Zoom: Al-Tariq Best, Geraldine Clark, Stephenine Dixson and Yvette Donaldson.)
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission was invited to the Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building and Statue Dedication in Newark. Federal, state, county and local elected officials were joined by about 100 attendees to unveil the new $77 million building on MLK Boulevard during the unveiling of the new facility which will house courtrooms for tax and general equity courts, as well as various county offices. While 22-foot statute of Dr. King stands outside, a bronze bust of U.S. Congressman John Lewis is displayed on the first floor of the building.
The Urban League of Essex County is mourning the loss of Vernon Jordan, former President of the National Urban League.
I met Vernon Jordan when he came to Newark to speak at Rutgers Law School, a few years ago.
When I introduced myself he was genuinely interested in what the organization had been doing. He shared a few big fights that took place within during his tenure at the National Urban League. He recalled with fondness that he had visited our offices and that he had been very proud of our partnership with IBM that had prepared so many peopled in early digital skills first as keypunch operators and then with PC skills when the first PCs were introduced.
In his talk he shared his personal story about growing up during segregation in Georgia which formed the basis for his book, Vernon Can Read. The cadence of his speech -- deep, baritone, slow, and southern was almost spellbinding. One word held you wanting until the next word was delivered. I came to the talk expecting to be engaged. What I didn't expect was the phone call I received the next morning.
"This is Vernon Jordan", he said. I recognized the voice. but I couldn't believe my ears. He went on to say how he had enjoyed meeting me the evening before and he wanted to offer his assistance if I ever needed it. He was glad to hear that the affiliate was doing well, he work offered his encouragement to keep pushing, and he reiterated the importance of the work to the advancement of racial progress. I was genuinely moved by his graciousness and thoughtfulness to reach out to me. We have a saying in the Urban League, "Once an Urban Leaguer, always an Urban Leaguer." I never called Mr. Jordan for advice and counsel, but I always knew that I could.
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the passing of his predecessor, Vernon Jordan:
“The nation has lost one of its greatest champions of racial and economic justice. He was a transformational leader who brought the movement into a new era. He was a personal mentor and dear friend. His passing leaves a tremendous void that can never be filled.
“Vernon assumed leadership of the National Urban League at a crucial moment in history, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act. The broad, legal goals of the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement had been achieved. His mission, as he saw it, was to empower Black Americans to realize the promise of these victories. In his words, “Black people today can check into any hotel in America, but most do not have the wherewithal to check out.”
“The exceptional poise and dignity with which he carried himself was just as striking as his impressive height. Born into an era when Black men were routinely addressed as “Boy,” Vernon’s mother pointedly nicknamed him “Man.” He honored her faith in him with his bravery, his grace, his brilliance and his excellence.
“The National Urban League would not be where it is today without Vernon Jordan. We have lost more than a leader; we have lost a brother. We send our prayers to his wife, Ann, his daughter, Vickee, and his entire family and extended family as we rededicate our commitment to his vision of justice and equality.”
-Courtesy of the Urban League of Essex County
In alliance with museums, cultural centers and historic sites all around the country, Microsoft Community is curating a customized series of immersive virtual experiences for K-12 Students.
“Youth, We Hear You!” On Monday, January 18, 2021, The State of New Jersey Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission hosted a Virtual Youth Conference in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy. Through panels, workshops, and networking, the virtual conference highlighted key issues of justice, education, the global impact of Dr. King and the relevance of his message in these challenging times. Missed the conference? Take a look at the sessions and Make It a Day Online today!
A dramatic highlight of the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative was the contribution of this extraordinary painting of Dr. King by the artist Aaron Fisher, who spoke at the event. This painting was a courtesy gift to The New Jersey MLK Commission, from Mercer County Freeholder Sam Frisby and the Capital City Area Black Caucus. Freeholder Frisby also arranged with the artist to provide a beautiful print of the painting to all attendees at the Commemorative. Freeholder Frisby is a member of the Commission, which expresses its great thanks for this unique and striking likeness of Dr. King.
"At the 2020 Commemorative, Major Lakisha Hale-Earl recognized the extraordinary service of Sgt. Hilda Griggs who served in World War II as part of an African American unit of 855 women who were given an extraordinary mission overseas in England and France. You will be as surprised and moved by this long-overdue recognition of Sgt. Griggs, who is now age 96 and who attended and spoke at the Commemorative."
The program serves those in recovery from opioid and other additions. These AmeriCorps members made and donated blankets for the Mother and Child homeless shelter.
We had an awesome Dr. King program at my church yesterday. Our children recited Dr. King quotes, the history and facts of the King Holiday, and numerous other activities. They also, were asked to answer questions after each speaker. We printed photos of Dr. King with captions and after each child read, we put the photo on the poster, shown in the photo.
The NJ Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission was invited to join the City of Paterson at a ribbon-cutting for the new Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. Commissioners Theodora Lacey and Jamie Bland represented the Commission.
AmeriCorps members came together to recognize the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. The members were encouraged to continue their leadership in their communities by a powerful speech from the Secretary of State, Tahesha Way. A panel discussion on “How Dr. King’s Message Inspired My Journey of Service” highlighted the morning followed by workshop sessions on Conflict Resolution, King Year Calendar of Service, Poverty, and Oratory: Speak Up! Speak Out!
2018 MLK 50th Anniversary
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Chair, Mr. George V. Guy, Jr., welcomes the audience to the 2018 Commemorative Event.
As we mourn the great loss of Mrs. Savage-Jennings we would like to recognize her work as a founding and lifetime member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, where she worked inexhaustibly to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to raise public awareness of Dr. King’s ideals and philosophy. Mrs. Savage-Jennings was a civil rights icon whose influences will continue to be felt for generations to come.
New Jerseyans Reflect on the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in commemoration of his 90th Birthday
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
