The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invites the community to gather for our 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance on Monday, 2 pm, January 19, 2026, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy and renew our shared commitment to equity and inclusion. This year’s theme, “Do Not Erase Our History,” calls us to remember that truth, memory, and historical understanding are essential to building the Beloved Community.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, the inaugural Professor of African American Studies and Public Affairs at Princeton University, director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project, and one of the nation’s leading voices on the intersections of race, history, and justice, as our keynote speaker. The event will also feature readings from Dr. King’s writings, performances by the Columbia High School Chorus and Special Dance, and reflections from local clergy.

Following the observance, all are invited to visit the exhibit created by Durand-Hedden House & Garden called 'Slavery in New Jersey: A Troubled History.' This project explores the history of enslaved people in New Jersey from its beginnings with Dutch settlement in the 17th century to the end of the Civil War.

All are welcome! Advance RSVP appreciated.

We invite the entire community to end this important day by participating in the Luminary Lighting Project—lighting the outside of homes across SOMA as a sign of peace, hope, and solidarity. Interested in becoming a neighborhood/block leader or in purchasing kits for a large group or your residential block? Email us at [email protected] and we'll get you started! Plus, join us at the Luminary Decorating Party on January 11th at 2 pm at The Baird--an afternoon of art and fun where kids learn about Dr. King and decorate their luminary bags.