How To Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Long Island This Weekend

LONG ISLAND, NY — On the third Monday of January, the United States celebrates the birthday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., born Jan. 15, 1929.

In his activism, King spoke of a vision of a "Beloved Community" — a community where everyone is cared for, absent of poverty, hunger and hate.

Each year churches, places of worship, and nonprofit organizations hold various events to educate and give back to others, in honor of King and his vision.

On Feb. 4, 1968, King, preached from the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, two months before his assassination. In his speech, he spoke of the Beloved Community.

"If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful," he said. "But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness. By giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great because everybody can serve."

In remembrance of the civil rights leader, here are events happening this weekend on Long Island.

Friday, Jan. 13

• Attorney General To Speak At LI Temple Where MLK Spoke
  • Attorney General Letitia James attend shabbat services and speak at Temple Beth-El in Great Neck. The civil rights leader also gave a speech there in 1967.
• 'Why Be Kind' Commemorative Talk
  • Temple Emanu-El in Long Beachwill hold special Shabbat services in honor of Dr. King, and examine Jewish sources on compassion. A service will also take place on Jan. 17.

Saturday, Jan. 14

• Molloy University Host MLK Virtual Experience
  • Experience this interactive event, featuring a lost speech of Dr. King, given on February 1960, just days after the Greensboro sit-ins at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham, NC. Registration is required.
• Islip NAACP Presents 'Legacy Gala' with Roxanne Shante
  • Enjoy dinner, dancing, and hearing from hip-hop legend and keynote speaker, Roxanne Shante. All proceeds help the chapter to defend against discrimination on Long Island.

Monday, Jan. 16,

• Commemorative March for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Long Beach residents are invited to participate in a commemorative march in honor of the civil rights leader, start at Laurelton Boulevard and West Park Avenue at 11:30 a.m.
• MLK Jr. Collaborative Art Project
  • The Port Jefferson Library invites all to celebrate Dr. King's legacy and color a hand to match their unique skin tone.
• Volunteer with the Mid-Island Y JCC
• Help the Plainview community center provide essential items to families in need, at their 8th Annual MLK Day of Service.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast
  • Join the Hamptons United Methodist Church for breakfast, speakers and music to celebrate and continue the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Watch NY State's 2023 Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Tune into PBS for this live special, featuring a message from Governor Kathy Hochul, a feature on spiritual leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Malcon X, performances by SUNY New Paltz students, songs by the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ensemble; and a powerful presentation by spoken word artist, Alonzo Verbal.
• Dinner and Conversation with Calvin Alexander Ramsey
  • Join the author of children’s book “Ruth and the Green Book” and the play “The Green Book,” at Kehillath Shalom Synagogue in Cold Spring Harbor for a discussion followed by followed by preparing soup, sandwiches, and cupcakes for Helping Hands Rescue Mission’s Tuesday lunch program.

Other Ways to Help

• Donate Blood
  • January is National Blood Donor Month, which is dedicated to honoring blood donors and encouraging donations during this critical time. The winter months are a difficult time for the blood supply, as school breaks, family vacations and inclement weather all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority. To schedule an appointment near you, click here.
• Watch a Documentary
  • Learn more about the civil rights leader and current issues from the comfort of your own home.
• Read Up On History
  • Pick up a copy of "Civil Rights on Long Island" by Bay Shore native Christopher Claude Verga, analyze a lesser-known speech, sermon, or letter about King by searching the Online King Records Access Database Archive.