Martin Luther King Day Activities Happening In Scotch Plains

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — In honor of Martin Luther King Day coming up on Monday, Scotch Plains-Fanwood is hosting over two dozen events next week — from volunteering opportunities to education and reflective programs.

Mayor Josh Losardo, with support of the Township Council, issued a proclamation stating that the Tuesday after MLK Day — Jan. 17 — will be a "Day of Racial Healing," in Scotch Plains, following a national movement.

The proclamation “urges all citizens to promote racial healing and transformation in the ways that are best suited to them individually, as a means of working together to ensure the best quality of life for every child.”

On this day, Scotch Plains will hold a Virtual Racial Healing Circle to reflect on the day and allow community members to share stories. More information about the event can be found below.

Also on the 17th, the Township is hosting several other events, including programs like "Combatting Stereotypes," "Paper cranes of hope and healing," as well as many drop-off donation drives.

To view a full list of the events and register in advance, visit the MLK Day of Service page.

The following are some virtual events to look forward to next week:

13th Annual Scotch Plains-Fanwood Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

The opening program for the day of service will be held virtually and simulcast from the JCC of Central NJ on Monday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Virtual and socially-distanced activities will also be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year's theme is: "Dr. Martin L. King/John Lewis: Good Trouble; Voting and Beyond." The program is meant to serve as a day of education and reflection.

For more information or to register, visit www.spfmlkday.org

Virtual Racial Hearing Circle

This virtual event, taking place on Jan. 17 and 18, will allow residents to come together and share stories and "bring awareness of our common humanity." This Circle will be a safe space for participants to hold truthful conversations around shared experiences.

People are invited to engage in an interactive experience to learn about the diverse backgrounds of individuals from a "shared humanity perspective in a safe, brave and responsible space."

It is sponsored by Social Justice Matters Inc. and the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Joint Committee for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation.

To register for these events, see the link below:

January 17 link: https://spfmlkday.wildapricot.org/

January 18 link: https://go.rutgers.edu/sjmtrht22

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