By Anne Levin

On Monday, January 21, communities across the country will commemorate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Locally, numerous events are planned, on and around that day. King, who was assassinated on April 4, 1968, was actually born on January 15, 1929. But the tradition is to honor him each year on the third Monday in January.

The Baptist minister and activist is one of only three people to have an American national holiday named after him (the others are George Washington and Christopher Columbus). Legislation designating the federal holiday in his honor wasn’t passed until 15 years after his death, and the day wasn’t officially commemorated until 1986. Since then, it has become a tradition to remember King by attending services, lectures, films, concerts, and — most of all — volunteering. Following is a sampling of local events and opportunities.

On Friday, January 18 at 8 p.m., McCarter Theatre Center presents We Shall Overcome, a musical featuring repertoire from across African American music traditions interwoven with spoken word from King’s speeches. The performance is led by Damien Sneed and includes everything from traditional gospel to jazz and broadway. Visit mccarter.org for ticket information.

On Saturday, January 19 at 2 p.m., Plainsboro Public Library examines King’s legacy with a discussion with filmmaker Purcell Carson of her documentary, Telling the Story of Harlan Joseph. Joseph, who was unarmed, was killed by a Trenton police officer in 1968. An honor student,
he had come to Trenton to try and stop rioting that was had begun in response to King’s assassination, on the day of his funeral. Call (609) 275-2897 for more information.

The auditorium at Trenton’s New Jersey State Museum hosts “The Economic Dream,” presented by the NJ Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, on January 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. Special guests are Sabrina Lamb, founder and CEO ofWorldofMoney.org; and Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. Admission is free. Call (609) 633-9627 for information. The museum is at 205 West State Street.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton hosts the annual multifaith service in King’s memory at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 21. Ruha Benjamin, an associate professor at Princeton University’s Department of African American Studies and the leader of the Spiritual Assembly of Baha’i in Princeton, will preach. The Princeton Clergy Association, which is sponsoring the service, encourages people to bring children. Area choirs and musicians will participate. Admission is free (a free will offering will benefit the United Negro College Fund and the Princeton-based Coalition for Peace Action). Visit peacecoalition.org for more information. The church is at 50 Cherry Hill Road.

Events in King’s honor at the Arts Council of Princeton take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on January 21. Hands-on art activities, music, and discussions follow a free community breakfast featuring speakers Tracy K. Smith and the Rev. Lukata Mjumbe. A gospel performance by the First Baptist Church Choir is at 11:30 a.m. The program is a collaboration of the Arts Council, Princeton University, JaZams, Princeton Family YMCA, and the Historical Society of Princeton. The Paul Robeson Center for the Arts is at 102 Witherspoon Street. Visit artscouncilofprinceton.org for more information.

Trenton Music Makers, part of the growing El Sistema movement of music education, performs at Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Hall at The College of New Jersey at 5:30 p.m. on January 21, in honor of Dr. King. “We Shall Overcome” is the theme, and tickets are free but space is limited. A reception follows. Visit trentonmusicmakers.org.

Thanks to the efforts of three Hopewell Valley Central High School students, there are multiple opportunities to give back in King’s honor on January 21. Sarah Cleveland and brothers Sam and Gavin Fowler have expanded an event they started last year, thanks to a grant from the Hopewell Harvest Fair. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 80 West Broad Street, Hopewell, a range of 20-minute service projects will be offered in rotating stations.

Participating are Sourland Conservancy, which will teach people how to make seed bombs to plant native annuals and perennials in local preserves; the Rescue Mission of Trenton, which will be collecting winter coats and making fleece blankets for the homeless; Mercer Street Friends, baking cookies and collecting canned goods; Costume Hangers, collecting gently-used recital costumes for young dancers; Seeds to Sew, which helps women in Kenya; and others. Free, but advance registration is required. Visit www.tiny.cc/MLKDay2019.

West Windsor Arts Council is holding a food and clothing drive on January 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as part of a day of service projects, speakers, music, and more. Activities for all ages are planned. Clothing and non-perishable food will be collected. The location is 952 Alexander Road. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-of-servicefood.