13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is holding its 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Congregation Oheb Shalom located at 170 Scotland Road in South Orange, New Jersey. The event is free and open to all. The keynote speaker at this year’s observance is Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Jr. pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark who will offer his reflections on Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. Howard has been involved in civil rights and racial justice for most of his life. He has served on the boards of many organizations including the National Urban League, the Children’s Defense Fund and was Chair of the Rutgers University Board of Governors. There will also be a stirring re-enactment of one of Dr. King’s speeches, selections from Voices in Harmony, Columbia HS Special Dance Company, Greg Bufford Jazz Trio, and selected readings from a cross-section of the faith and youth communities. Local residents and congregations interested in singing with Voices in Harmony are invited to attend rehearsals of January 7 and January 15 from 7:45 to 9:15 at Oheb Shalom and before the event on January 20th from 12:45 – 1:30 pm. Following the observance the celebration continues with a Volunteer Fair and reception at 3:30 in the adjacent hall. The Volunteer Fair offers information and opportunities to serve from numerous community groups, including those housing and feeding the poor; and mentoring and tutoring our youth. There will also be projects with instant impact that can be completed right then and there. For more information, check the Community Coalition’s website at www.twotowns.org or, if you have additional questions, contact Audrey Rowe at 973-761-6116,X4.