OUR 56TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORSMartin Luther King Observance CommitteePRESENTS THE56th Commemorationof the Life and Legacy of theRev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.January 19, 202656thKINGDAYJAN 19,2026\"The Dream's Continuing Vision: Hope and Harmony\"
2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL ©2024 Valley National Bank. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender. All Rights Reserved. VLY9513At Valley, we don’t just talk about change; we roll up our sleeves and make it happen, because the strength of our communities is the measure of our success.Making a difference in the communities we serve2
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Many of us experienceloneliness or social isolation atsome point in our lives.Moves, job changes, healthchallenges, divorce, loss, ordistance from loved ones canquietly chip away at our senseof connection. For others, theconstant pull of digital devicescreates the illusion ofconnection while keeping us atarm’s length from meaningfulrelationships. Over time, theseexperiences can subtly erodeour wellbeing and widen thegap between the connectionwe desire and the connectionwe actually feel.Throughout the season, wewill host three conversations,each approaching the topicfrom a different angle. Wehope you’ll join us as we learn,listen, and grow together.On January 8, we welcome Kevin Hines, who survived asuicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge at agenineteen. Kevin will share his story: what led him to thatmoment, how he found healing and purpose, and howhis journey can offer hope and guidance to others facingsimilar struggles.January 8, 2026: Kevin HinesWhy Loneliness?The Forum O N T H E G R E E NBelonging in theAge of LonelinessOn March 3, we welcome a panel of Morristowncommunity members and educators to explore howdigital devices and online social platforms are shapingthe lives of children and teens. Today’s technologiesoffer incredible opportunities — yet they can also fuelsocial withdrawal, anxiety, and digital dependency thathinder healthy growth.March 3, 2026: Screens, Students, and theSearch for BelongingOur next session will dive even deeper into what itmeans to seek belonging in an age shaped byloneliness. You won’t want to miss what comes next.Spring 2026: Stay TunedThe Forum on the Green is a new opportunity to explorea meaningful theme, inviting experts, storytellers, andneighbors to join us in honest conversation. Theseconversations are open to everyone and we hope you’lljoin us as we learn, listen, and grow together.What Is The Forum on the Green?Tickets available atforumonthegreen.com2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 4
2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL Let us continue to increase our efforts to bea \"Beloved Community.\"Thank you to the MLK Observance Committee.5
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The African American Clergy Association CelebratesThe 55thMartin Luther KingDay Celebration2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 7The 56th Martin LutherKing Day CelebrationThe 56th Martin LutherKing Day Celebration
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Michael Babyak Jr. II David Vollmer, CFA President Chief Operating OfficerMatthew LeFevre, CFP® Bruce Jones, CLU, ChFC®Operations Manager Estate & Insurance SpecialistMarc Abramson Ethan Kraft, CPFA, C(k)PWealth Advisor Director of Retirement PlansMiguel Dajer, CFP® Marc AbramsonOperations Coordinator Wealth Advisor Guillermo Aguilar, CFA David Gorman Research Analyst Resear Wealth AdvisorSocrates Leotsakos, CFP® Richard HuggFinancial Planner Trust CoordinatorCarolina Corona Gina MenclClient Service Specialist AdministrationLaurieAnn LeComte Fred Hockenjos, AAI,LUTCFOffice Manager Risk Management‐Benefit SpecialistOn Behalf of everyone at Precision Financial Services, we would like toextend our congratulations to the Martin Luther King ObservanceCommittee for their annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. We are grateful to be part of this “Beloved Community”NEW JERSEY NEW YORK COLORADO 350 US Highway 46 – Mine Hill, New Jersey 07803 – Tel: 973-927-6300 – Fax: 973-927-7190 Investment advice offered through PFS Partners, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor Michael Babyak Jr. II David Vollmer, CFA President Chief Operating OfficerMatthew LeFevre, CFP® Bruce Jones, CLU, ChFC®Operations Manager Estate & Insurance SpecialistMarc Abramson Ethan Kraft, CPFA, C(k)PWealth Advisor Director of Retirement PlansMiguel Dajer, CFP® Marc AbramsonOperations Coordinator Wealth Advisor Guillermo Aguilar, CFA David Gorman Research Analyst Resear Wealth AdvisorSocrates Leotsakos, CFP® Richard HuggFinancial Planner Trust CoordinatorCarolina Corona Gina MenclClient Service Specialist AdministrationLaurieAnn LeComte Fred Hockenjos, AAI,LUTCFOffice Manager Risk Management‐Benefit SpecialistOn Behalf of everyone at Precision Financial Services, we would like toextend our congratulations to the Martin Luther King ObservanceCommittee for their annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. We are grateful to be part of this “Beloved Community”NEW JERSEY NEW YORK COLORADO 350 US Highway 46 – Mine Hill, New Jersey 07803 – Tel: 973-927-6300 – Fax: 973-927-7190 Investment advice offered through PFS Partners, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 9
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ROWEFUNERAL HOME 60th Anniversary of Outstanding Service 1965 to 2025Services provided:n Burial and cremationn Pre-need planning and counselingn Bereavement counselingn Se habla EspanolA tradition of courteous service with compassion.Our professional staff handles all details with dignity and respect.M. Vernon Rowe, Jr., ManagerNJ License No. 3253Brennen A. Dodd, Funeral DirectorNJ License No. 520171 Washington StreetMorristown, NJ 07960973.538.0520www.rowefuneral.comEmail: [email protected] Funeral_8.5x11_122924.indd 1 12/29/24 4:30 PMROWEFUNERAL HOME61st Anniversaryof Outstanding Service1965 to 2026Services provided:• Burial and cremation• Pre-need planning and counseling• Bereavement counseling• Se habla EspanolA tradition of courteous service with compassion.Our professional staff handles all detailswith dignity and respect.Brennen A. Dodd, ManagerNJ License No. 5201M. Vernon Rowe, Jr., Funeral DirectorNJ License No. 325371 Washington StreetMorristown, NJ 07960973.538.0520www.rowefuneral.comEmail: [email protected] MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 11
Butch FranklinCongratulates 2025 MLK Observance Committee Scholars2025 King Scholars High School College/UniversityLaKayla Lodge Morristown High School Clark Atlanta UniversityKylah Diaz Morristown High School St. John's UniversityAidan OlidgeEvansMorristown High SchoolUniversity of Maryland UMDLaila Riley Morristown High SchoolNorth Carolina Central UniversityCamille Bascomb Passaic County Tech Tuskegee UniversityAlbert Ott Kinnelon High School Rutgers UniversityLathan Riley Morristown High School County College of MorrisSidney Williams Morristown High SchoolPrairie View A&M UniversityJasmine Delgado Pingry School Rutgers UniversityLauren Hooker Roxbury High School Louisiana State University2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 12
2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 13\"Let this mind be in you,which was also in Christ Jesus.\"
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2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 17CCM supports the MARTIN LUTHER KING OBSERVANCE COMMITTEE.CCM encourages you to GO BIG and serve your community.THE COMMUNITY’S COLLEGEPartnering and serving to build a stronger future for our community.To learn more about how CCM can serve you, visit www.ccm.edu.
Pastor: Rev. Msgr. John E. Hart Parochial Vicar: Rev. Krzysztof TyszkoOn this day commemorating the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, takea moment to read the excerpt below from “Open Wide Our Hearts: TheEnduring Call to Love. In this Pastoral Letter, the Catholic bishops of theUnited States invite conversion of hearts, minds, and institutions in orderto address the evil of racism that still exists in our communities. Let itchallenge us to ask whether we are really proclaiming with our lives that,“Through his Cross and Resurrection, Christ united the one human raceto the Father.”“The injustice and harm racism causes are an attack on human life. TheChurch in the United States has spoken out consistently and forcefully againstabortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia, the death penalty, and other forms ofviolence that threaten human life. It is not a secret that these attacks onhuman life have severely affected people of color, who are disproportionallyaffected by poverty, targeted for abortion, have less access to healthcare, havethe greatest numbers on death row, and are mostlikely to feel pressure to end their lives when facingserious illness. As bishops, we unequivocally state that racism is a life issue. Accordingly, we will notcease to speak forcefully against and work towardending racism. Racism directly places brother andsister against each other, violating the dignityinherent in each person. The Apostle Jamescommands the Christian: “show no partiality as youadhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ”(Jas 2:1).”2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 18
January 19, 2026I am deeply honored to participate in the 2026 Annual Commemoration Service on January 19, 2026, presented by the Martin Luther King Observance Committee in partnership with the Morris Area Interfaith Clergy Council and the African American Clergy Association.As Mayor of the Town of Morristown, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Martin Luther King Observance Committee on its 56th Anniversary, celebrating the 97th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, this commemoration reminds us of Dr. King’s enduring legacy and the power of his message. I encourage all residents to continue advancing his mission—to educate, inspire, and bring people together across all races, faiths, ethnicities, backgrounds, and generations.This celebration of faith, perseverance, and unity is a cornerstone of our community spirit.Congratulations once again to the Martin Luther King Observance Committee on this milestone. I look forward to joining the 2026 observances and honoring Dr. King’s vision together.Timothy P. DoughertyMayor 2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 19
Aura Dunn was initially selected to the New Jersey Assembly in 2019, and a year later won the special election in the 25th Legislative District, breaking New Jersey’s history for the most votes in an (more than 64,000) Assembly race. Assemblywoman Dunn has gone on to win two more election cycles and is now serving her fifth year in the legislature. In this short time, she has become known as an effective legislator and problem-solver who always puts people over politics. She is a fierce defender of children and families and parental rights. Dunn serves on the Assembly Budget and Children, Families & Food Security Committees. Dunn holds the Assistant Whip Leadership position in the Republican Caucus and is appointed to the Human Relations Council and Women’s Re-entry Commission. She also is a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Legislative Disability Caucus.She joined the Assembly after a 30-year career in public service. She was the District Director for 12-term Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen from 2016 to 2019, a budget analyst on education policy for the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee from 1997 to 2000, and a policy advisor for the House Veterans Affairs Committee. She also represented America’s Public Television Stations, Sesame Street, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood before Congress and the White House.One of Assemblywoman Dunn’s proudest accomplishments from her time on Capitol Hill was her work on the Campus Crime Disclosure Act, better known as the Clery Act. The landmark legislation requires colleges and universities to issue on- campus crime statistics and security information.Dunn currently serves as a board member of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. She served on the boards of Morris Habitat for Humanity and Morris County Mental Health Addictions Services. She volunteers as a JBWS-certified domestic violence crisis response team member for local police departments. Since 2010, her family has hosted a New York City child each summer through the Fresh Air Fund program.She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University. Dunn also holds a certificate in Mediation.2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 20Martin Luther King Observance CommitteeKeynote SpeakerAssemblywoman Aura K. Dunn
2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 21In 1958, Martin Luther King Jr. privately recruited Lawrence Edward Carter as a 10th grader to come to Morehouse College. Twenty-one years later, Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter became the first Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel in 1979. Today, he is a tenured Professor of Religion, College Curator and Archivist at Morehouse College.For fifty-five years, Dr. Carter has studied and worked in fourteen American universities, colleges, and professional schools, spoken at over one-hundred different colleges, universities, and seminaries, and received over one thousand speaking engagements from eighteen Christian denominations, including Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist communions, and traveled to thirty-eight foreign countries.He has made over eighty radio and television appearances, including nationwide in The United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, India, China, Malaysia, Oceania, Australia, South Africa, and continent wide in Africa.Lawrence Carter was born in Dawson, Georgia, and reared in Columbus, Ohio. He holds the B.A. degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Social Science and Psychology, the M.Div. degree in Theology, the S.T.M. degree in Pastoral Care, and the Ph.D. degree in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling from Boston University. He did further study at Andover Newton Theological School, The Ohio State University, Harvard University, Georgia State University, New York University, The University of Wisconsin at Madison, Brown University, Spelman College and George Washington University. He holds certifications in multi-disciplinary clinical training, clinical pastoral education, the editing of historical documents, and community nonviolent training. He is also a licensed and ordained American Baptist minister. Carter was a 1994 Fulbright-Hayes Scholar in Brazil, and twice a National Endowment for the Humanities fellow, in 1993 and 1996. He is a 33o degree Prince Hall Mason.Currently, Professor Carter teaches Introduction to Religion, Psychology of Religion, Religion and Ethics, World Religions and The Life and Thought of Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Daisaku Ikeda at Morehouse College. He is preparing to publish his fourth book on The Baptist Preacher’s Buddhist Teacher: How my Interfaith Journey with Daisaku Ikeda Made Me A Better Christian and a fifth book titled, Gandhi, King and Ikeda: Being Peace, The Thing Itself. He was honored with a festschrift, edited by Echol Nix Jr. titled In the Beginning: The Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College, 2015.Dr. Carter is the founder and sole fundraiser for Morehouse College’s International Hall of Honor, consisting of over 200 oil portraits honoring civil and human rights activists internationally. He also founded the five-hundred member Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapel Assistants Preseminarians Program at Morehouse in 1979 and the MLK College of Pastoral Leadership. He has raised over two-hundred fifty thousand dollars in scholarship funds for the Morehouse Chapel Assistants. On April 1, 2000 he founded the WorldHouse Institute for Global Ethics and Reconciliation on Millennium Sunday, unveiling larger than life busts of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturbai, a gift from the people of India. Carter received three grants totaling three million fifty thousand dollars from the Lilly Endowment for A Program for the Theological Exploration of Vocation. Dr. Carter is married to Dr. Marva Griffin Carter. Dr. Carter is currently a tenured Associate Professor of Music History and Literature at Georgia State University where she has served as Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Music. The Carters are the parents of one son, Lawrence Edward Carter, Jr. Young Carter is a sixth generation Georgian and a graduate of Morehouse College, in Economics with a minor in International Affairs. He has also studied at the London School of Economics and earned an M.B.A. degree from Strayer University. He is an accountant for the Grand Hyatt Hotel Corporation.Martin Luther King Observance CommitteeKeynote SpeakerRev. Dr. Lawrence E. Carter Sr.
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2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 26Lift Every Voice and SingWritten by James Weldon JohnsonLift every voice and singTill earth and heaven ring,Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;Let our rejoicing riseHigh as the listening skies,Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,Facing the rising sun of our new day begunLet us march on till victory is won.Stony the road we trod,Bitter the chastening rod,Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;Yet with a steady beat,Have not our weary feetCome to the place for which our fathers sighed?We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,Out from the gloomy past,Till now we stand at lastWhere the white gleam of our bright star is cast.God of our weary years,God of our silent tears,Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light,Keep us forever in the path, we pray.Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;Shadowed beneath Thy hand,May we forever stand.True to our God,True to our native land.
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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.UNION BAPTIST CHURCHCELEBRATING THE ENDURING LEGACY OF DR. MARTINLUTHER KING JR. WHOSE COURAGE, FAITH, AND DREAMCONTINUE TO INSPIRE GENERATIONS TO PURSUEEQUALITY, PEACE, AND UNITY.CELEBRATING THE ENDURING LEGACY OF DR. MARTINLUTHER KING JR. WHOSE COURAGE, FAITH, AND DREAMCONTINUE TO INSPIRE GENERATIONS TO PURSUEEQUALITY, PEACE, AND UNITY.\"INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICEEVERYWHERE.\" — DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.Congratulates the Martin Luther KingJr. Observance Committee on their56 Anniversary honoring thethVisionary LeaderBold DreamerVoice of JusticeSenior Pastor Lance A. Mann89 Spring St. Morristown, NJ2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 28
The Legacy of Delores H. LeeCongratulates Martin Luther King Observance Committee56th Commemorative Celebration Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.•Henry J. Lee•Courtney, Marco, Gianna and Dante•Kenneth, Ayanna, Kathryn (Katie) and Johnathan (Jonny) \"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education” “The Purpose of Education.”The Maroon Tiger February 19472026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 29
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2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 31Morris County Chamber | 325 Columbia Turnpike - Suite 101| Florham Park, NJ 07932 | www.morrischamber.org | 973.539.3882linkedin.com/company/morris-county-chamber-of-commerce | instagram.com/morrischambernj | facebook.com/morrischamber56th KING DAY January 19, 2026 The Morris County Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the Martin Luther King Observance Committee and its vision of a world where Dr. King's dream of a “Beloved Community” becomes a reality and its scholarship program for students who embrace the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King as they pursue their educational aspirations. The Morris County Chamber is more than just a business network; it's a thriving community of professionals invested in each other's success! All businesses are welcome and you don't need to be based in Morris County to belong. Contact Kevin Murphy at [email protected] to learn more.
\"WE WILL BE ABLETO HEW OUT OF THEMOUNTAIN OFDESPAIR A STONE OFHOPE.\"The Tatum Family and Carolina BluePainting congratulate the MLKOC onanother year of service and for continuingto impart hope to our community2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 32\"WE WILL BE ABLETO HEW OUT OF THEMOUNTAIN OFDESPAIR A STONE OFHOPE.\"The Tatum Family and Carolina BluePainting congratulate the MLKOC onanother year of service and for continuingto impart hope to our community
We are proud to support the Martin Luther King Observance Committee’s 56th Annual MLK Day Observance.All In!SENATOR ANTHONY M. BUCCO25th Legislative DistrictPHONE: (973) 627-9700 EMAIL: [email protected] ASSEMBLYWOMAN AURA K. DUNN25th Legislative District PHONE: (973) 206-1876 EMAIL: [email protected] PAID FOR BY: BUCCO FOR SENATE, 17 cONDIT sTREET SUCCASUNNA NJ 07876; EFO AURA DUNN FOR ASSEMBLY, P.O. BOX 999, EDISON, NJ 08818 2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 33
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MLKDAYTHE DREAM’S VISIONHOPE AND HARMONYJOIN THE DREAM56th AnnualCelebrationHYATT REGENCY HOTEL3 SPEEDWELL AVE • MORRISTOWN01|19|268 AMREV. DR. SIDNEY WILLIAMSSr. Pastor, Bethel ChurchMorristownBethel Church of Morristown proudly supports The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Observation Committee of Morristown and its973.267.8912bethelmorristown.org2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 35
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2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 37EXHIBITIONMAYO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER100 SOUTH ST., MORRISTOWN, NJ 07960VISUALOICESFOR MORE INFORMATION: ARTINTHEATRIUM.ORG Queens of Gospel Series 2 by Onnie StrotherJANUARY 16 -MARCH 2, 2026Public ReceptionJANUARY 25, 2026 2:00-5:00PM
Crystal Davis, PresidentP.O. Box 2221Morristown, NJ 07962www.morriscountylinks.orgRhythms 4 Life | NSBE Jr. | National Poster Art Competition | Young Master's Writers CompetitionThe Morris County (NJ) Chapterof The Links, Incorporatedis pleased to supportThe Martin Luther King Observance Committee2026 MLK Day CelebrationThank you for your efforts to encourage people to embrace the dream of Dr. King.Your work is significant and honorable.Wiley Malehorn Sirota & Raynes proudly supports the Martin Luther King Observance Committee.50 years of experience solving the business and litigation issues of our community members. 250 Madison Avenue • Morristown, New Jersey 07960T (973) 539-1313 • F (973) 539-0572www.wmsrlaw.com2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 38
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2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 42I am honored to support the 2026 MLK Day Interfaith Breakfast and the work of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee.As someone whose bakery has been part of theMorristown community for years, I see every day the power of coming together, serving others, and investing in our youth.The Committee’s dedication to scholarships,education, and opportunity reflects Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community — where every young person has the chance to thrive. I am grateful for their work inspiring and empowering the next generation right here in Morristown.“Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Andrea LekbergProud Morristown Baker& Community MemberCongratulationsto theMartin Luther KingObservance Committeein celebrating the life and legacy ofDr. Martin Luther King, Jr.“The Dream's ContinuingVision: Hope and Harmony”Dr. Janet Eber &Mr. Michael EberThe Morris Educational Foundation proudlysupports the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr.- to help build a 'beloved community.'www.morrisedfoundation.orgLife’s most persistentand urgent question is,‘What are you doingFor others?'- Martin Luther King, Jr.MARTIN LUTHERKING, JR.2026 KING DAYCELEBRATIONAMBUSH ART & [email protected] • 570.730.9944
2026 MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMEMORATIVE JOURNAL 43Why We Celebrate This Day...On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will again experience what has become an American tradition, the annualobservance of our National Holiday honoring the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. The Morris County communityhas celebrated the birth of this great American for more than fifty years. The people of our community, young and old, richand poor, of all religious persuasions, and of all political affiliations have recognized and acknowledged the invaluablecontributions Dr. King has made to all of our lives. His death was a most awesome tragedy, and it still evokes painfulemotions of the hate that filled the hearts of many Americans and the oppression it thrusts upon a people because of thecolor of their skin.And yet, out of the despair and frustration of that dark day, out of the pit of bigotry and racial turmoil that imprisonedthe American spirit, out of the clinging fog of strife and tension that enshrouded the American ideals of opportunity andliberty of all, the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one crying in the wilderness of national dysfunction to plant theseeds of hope in our consciousness that someday the tide would turn towards love and justice.This is a day like no other, for we have come to a critical juncture in our history when the country now can fullyunderstand the purpose and meaning of the non-violent struggles led by Dr. King in the life he sacrificed for the cause ofall people. We can observe now in hindsight that he served as the bridge between the horrors of the American past andthe possibilities for the American future. Despite the setbacks and animosity generated by the quest he spearheaded forthe dignity of every person dwelling in the beloved community, we can see the foundation he laid. Along with the legionof supporters who marched with him, has opened a new dialogue, a new vision, and a new reconciliation of the forcesthat have sought to divide us over the past few centuries.On this special day of observance of Dr. King’s birthday, we not only salute the life of this cherished prophetic voice, butwe can also celebrate the fruits of the collective struggles of Dr. King and millions of Americans who yet carry on a legacythat promises to help realize advancements that many thought would never come in their lifetimes. As we assemble herein Morristown, New Jersey today, all of us can congratulate each other on what we have gone through; but we also needto acknowledge that although the “promised land” may appear to be within sight, it is not yet under our feet. There aremany challenges that remain for us to confront.More than ever, there is a need to refresh ourselves with the lessons learned over the last few decades and to dedicateourselves anew to the principles espoused by Dr. King: compassion, love for peace, commitment to reconciliation,and belief in the dignity and worth of all people. For veterans of the struggle, this should be a time of renewal and recommitment. For those who are new to the struggle, this can be a time of education and dedication to the ongoing pursuitof justice and equality.In our changing world, events should remind us that we are far from attaining our goal of a stable world at peace withopportunity for all. With the rise of the global pandemic, the damaging impact of global warming, the steady increase ofsectarian violence, the jolting dislocation of economies across the world, and the accelerating rate of population diversityin every sphere of human activity, intolerance and prejudice are perennially showing their ugly heads in world affairs.With the rise in tensions and intensification of hatred between tribal, national, and regional factions, today is a timethat we need to embrace the moral imperatives of the civil rights movement to reconcile the differences that continue todivide us. This is particularly true in our attitudes about Muslims, where the world has begun to vilify and demonize anentire religion because of the violence perpetrated by a handful of extremists.It is high time that we look beyond the provincialism that has led us to fan the flames of hatred. Like Dr. King, our messageshould be love. Our weapon must be truth. Our method should be creative nonviolence. This is a special time to injectnew life into our vision of the Beloved Community--a community of justice, peace, and brotherhood. As we celebratethe birthday of Dr. King, we celebrate also the “Strength of the Dream: Moving Forward with Hope”: Hope for Peace!;Hope for Justice!; Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow for ourselves and our posterity!; Hope for the Resources and the Will toaddress the issues that still beset us as a nation and as a world community. Let us all be dedicated to building a dreamthat will never die. This is why we celebrate this day!On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will again experience what has become an American tradition, the annualobservance of our National Holiday honoring the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. The Morris County communityhas celebrated the birth of this great American for more than fifty years. The people of our community, young and old, richand poor, of all religious persuasions, and of all political affiliations have recognized and acknowledged the invaluablecontributions Dr. King has made to all of our lives. His death was a most awesome tragedy, and it still evokes painfulemotions of the hate that filled the hearts of many Americans and the oppression it thrusts upon a people because of thecolor of their skin.And yet, out of the despair and frustration of that dark day, out of the pit of bigotry and racial turmoil that imprisonedthe American spirit, out of the clinging fog of strife and tension that enshrouded the American ideals of opportunity andliberty of all, the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one crying in the wilderness of national dysfunction to plant theseeds of hope in our consciousness that someday the tide would turn towards love and justice.This is a day like no other, for we have come to a critical juncture in our history when the country now can fullyunderstand the purpose and meaning of the non-violent struggles led by Dr. King in the life he sacrificed for the cause ofall people. We can observe now in hindsight that he served as the bridge between the horrors of the American past andthe possibilities for the American future. Despite the setbacks and animosity generated by the quest he spearheaded forthe dignity of every person dwelling in the beloved community, we can see the foundation he laid. Along with the legionof supporters who marched with him, has opened a new dialogue, a new vision, and a new reconciliation of the forcesthat have sought to divide us over the past few centuries.On this special day of observance of Dr. King’s birthday, we not only salute the life of this cherished prophetic voice, butwe can also celebrate the fruits of the collective struggles of Dr. King and millions of Americans who yet carry on a legacythat promises to help realize advancements that many thought would never come in their lifetimes. As we assemble herein Morristown, New Jersey today, all of us can congratulate each other on what we have gone through; but we also needto acknowledge that although the “promised land” may appear to be within sight, it is not yet under our feet. There aremany challenges that remain for us to confront.More than ever, there is a need to refresh ourselves with the lessons learned over the last few decades and to dedicateourselves anew to the principles espoused by Dr. King: compassion, love for peace, commitment to reconciliation,and belief in the dignity and worth of all people. For veterans of the struggle, this should be a time of renewal and recommitment. For those who are new to the struggle, this can be a time of education and dedication to the ongoing pursuitof justice and equality.In our changing world, events should remind us that we are far from attaining our goal of a stable world at peace withopportunity for all. With the rise of the global pandemic, the damaging impact of global warming, the steady increase ofsectarian violence, the jolting dislocation of economies across the world, and the accelerating rate of population diversityin every sphere of human activity, intolerance and prejudice are perennially showing their ugly heads in world affairs.With the rise in tensions and intensification of hatred between tribal, national, and regional factions, today is a timethat we need to embrace the moral imperatives of the civil rights movement to reconcile the differences that continue todivide us. This is particularly true in our attitudes about Muslims, where the world has begun to vilify and demonize anentire religion because of the violence perpetrated by a handful of extremists.It is high time that we look beyond the provincialism that has led us to fan the flames of hatred. Like Dr. King, our messageshould be love. Our weapon must be truth. Our method should be creative nonviolence. This is a special time to injectnew life into our vision of the Beloved Community--a community of justice, peace, and brotherhood. As we celebratethe birthday of Dr. King, we celebrate also the “Strength of the Dream: Moving Forward with Hope”: Hope for Peace!;Hope for Justice!; Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow for ourselves and our posterity!; Hope for the Resources and the Will toaddress the issues that still beset us as a nation and as a world community. Let us all be dedicated to building a dreamthat will never die. This is why we celebrate this day!On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will again experience what has become an American tradition, the annualobservance of our National Holiday honoring the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. The Morris County communityhas celebrated the birth of this great American for more than fifty years. The people of our community, young and old, richand poor, of all religious persuasions, and of all political affiliations have recognized and acknowledged the invaluablecontributions Dr. King has made to all of our lives. His death was a most awesome tragedy, and it still evokes painfulemotions of the hate that filled the hearts of many Americans and the oppression it thrusts upon a people because of thecolor of their skin.And yet, out of the despair and frustration of that dark day, out of the pit of bigotry and racial turmoil that imprisonedthe American spirit, out of the clinging fog of strife and tension that enshrouded the American ideals of opportunity andliberty of all, the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one crying in the wilderness of national dysfunction to plant theseeds of hope in our consciousness that someday the tide would turn towards love and justice.This is a day like no other, for we have come to a critical juncture in our history when the country now can fullyunderstand the purpose and meaning of the non-violent struggles led by Dr. King in the life he sacrificed for the cause ofall people. We can observe now in hindsight that he served as the bridge between the horrors of the American past andthe possibilities for the American future. Despite the setbacks and animosity generated by the quest he spearheaded forthe dignity of every person dwelling in the beloved community, we can see the foundation he laid. Along with the legionof supporters who marched with him, has opened a new dialogue, a new vision, and a new reconciliation of the forcesthat have sought to divide us over the past few centuries.On this special day of observance of Dr. King’s birthday, we not only salute the life of this cherished prophetic voice, butwe can also celebrate the fruits of the collective struggles of Dr. King and millions of Americans who yet carry on a legacythat promises to help realize advancements that many thought would never come in their lifetimes. As we assemble herein Morristown, New Jersey today, all of us can congratulate each other on what we have gone through; but we also needto acknowledge that although the “promised land” may appear to be within sight, it is not yet under our feet. There aremany challenges that remain for us to confront.More than ever, there is a need to refresh ourselves with the lessons learned over the last few decades and to dedicateourselves anew to the principles espoused by Dr. King: compassion, love for peace, commitment to reconciliation,and belief in the dignity and worth of all people. For veterans of the struggle, this should be a time of renewal and recommitment. For those who are new to the struggle, this can be a time of education and dedication to the ongoing pursuitof justice and equality.In our changing world, events should remind us that we are far from attaining our goal of a stable world at peace withopportunity for all. With the rise of the global pandemic, the damaging impact of global warming, the steady increase ofsectarian violence, the jolting dislocation of economies across the world, and the accelerating rate of population diversityin every sphere of human activity, intolerance and prejudice are perennially showing their ugly heads in world affairs.With the rise in tensions and intensification of hatred between tribal, national, and regional factions, today is a timethat we need to embrace the moral imperatives of the civil rights movement to reconcile the differences that continue todivide us. This is particularly true in our attitudes about Muslims, where the world has begun to vilify and demonize anentire religion because of the violence perpetrated by a handful of extremists.It is high time that we look beyond the provincialism that has led us to fan the flames of hatred. Like Dr. King, our messageshould be love. Our weapon must be truth. Our method should be creative nonviolence. This is a special time to injectnew life into our vision of the Beloved Community--a community of justice, peace, and brotherhood. As we celebratethe birthday of Dr. King, we celebrate also the “Strength of the Dream: Moving Forward with Hope”: Hope for Peace!;Hope for Justice!; Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow for ourselves and our posterity!; Hope for the Resources and the Will toaddress the issues that still beset us as a nation and as a world community. Let us all be dedicated to building a dreamthat will never die. This is why we celebrate this day!
Martin Luther King Observance CommitteeAcknowledges and Thanks our 2026 Program Sponsors