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Southern New Jersey is gearing up for a full slate of events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with service projects, cultural programs, and community gatherings scheduled across the region.
From Burlington County to Cape May, organizations are embracing Dr. King’s call to service with activities that uplift neighborhoods, celebrate Black history, and bring residents together.
At Rowan University, the Office of the Provost, Division of University Advancement, and Division of Student Access & Pathway Programs will host its 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast & Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19.
Master of Ceremonies Rick Williams, a 6ABC News anchor in Philadelphia, and featured special guest, Dr. Myron Rolle will host the event.
The first 75 people to buy a ticket for the Breakfast & Day of Service will receive a complimentary, signed copy of “The 2% Way: How a Philosophy of Small Improvements Took Me to Oxford, the NFL, and Neurosurgery” by Rolle.
Rowan’s Day of Service will follow the breakfast. More information about specific volunteer opportunities will be available soon. In the meantime, you can sign up for the Day of Service by clicking the “REGISTER” button.
Guests are welcome to bring donations for The SHOP, Food Pantry and Resource Center at Rowan University. Non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, school supplies and more can be donated for students in need. Click here for a full list of items needed at The SHOP.
Burlington County: Countywide Day of Service
Burlington County will once again host its annual MLK Day of Service at the Burlington County 4-H site in Westampton Township. The event, set for Jan. 19, will feature hands-on volunteer projects to support local families and nonprofits. Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate.
Cumberland County: Bridgeton Cleanup Honors Dr. King
In Bridgeton, volunteers will gather at 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Way for a community cleanup organized in partnership with the American Littoral Society.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 19, focusing on wooded areas along Pamphylia Avenue. The cleanup continues a local tradition of honoring Dr. King through environmental stewardship and neighborhood revitalization.
Camden County: Service and Support Across the Community
Several Camden County organizations are hosting events, including:
- As part of its statewide winter relief effort, Jersey Cares is coordinating a coat sorting volunteer shift in Cherry Hill on Jan. 18.
- Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, offering a 10 a.m. to noon service program on Jan. 19.
Cape May County: New Exhibit Celebrates Black Legacy
Cape May County’s signature MLK weekend event in 2026 is a cultural celebration rather than a service project.
The Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May will open its new exhibit, “Black Legacy of Historic Cape May: Unexpected History,” on Jan. 16, 2026, with a public reception featuring a gospel choir.
The exhibit highlights the contributions of Black abolitionists, civil rights leaders, artists, and historic visitors to Cape May’s development, including Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Dr. King himself.
The exhibition runs through April 12, offering residents and visitors an extended opportunity to explore Cape May’s deep and often overlooked Black history.
Stockton University, Atlantic County
Stockton University will host 22 Years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19. The in-person event will feature projects at the Galloway, Atlantic City, and Hammonton locations. Contact Stockton University’s website for more information.
