MLK Observance Returns For 53rd Year At Morristown Church

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Martin Luther King Observance Committee has put together a lineup of speakers and discussion panels for its event in Morristown on the namesake holiday, which takes place this Monday.

The hybrid celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day will include keynote speaker Rev. Dr. David Jefferson, pastor of the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark.

The Observance Committee will collaborate with the Morris Area Clergy Council and the African American Clergy Association to co-sponsor its 53rd Annual commemorative service on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.

The celebration will be offered as a hybrid, both in person and live-streamed and is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 10 Martin Luther King Avenue. The single Service of Commemoration will be available for viewing on Facebook or at the Martin Luther King Observance Committee website.

The service will be followed by a series of panel discussions featuring local community leaders and politicians, including Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill.

Panel discussions will include the following topics:

• Managing Controversial Discourse
• The Social Determinants of Health Care
• Is Democracy Threatened?
• Criminal Justice: Paths to Reform and Redirection
• The Power of the Church to Make Social Change

The Martin Luther King Observance Committee seeks to embrace and inspire all people to embrace King's vision of social justice, equality in education, employment, housing, personal freedom and peace and harmony among all people.

"The theme for this year is, 'From Dream to Action: Healing Our Divisions.' Our theme this year emphasizes action and positive movement toward creating an environment where all Americans can thrive," the committee said.

The hybrid event is free, but donations will be accepted. To sponsor or contribute to MLK Day, click here.