It wouldn’t be spring in Hudson County without some crazy weather — and tons of events happening. There is lots of news happening in Hoboken and Jersey City. It has been another week of news in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up, as we do every week — from all around the internet. Among the local news: Hoboken coffee shop, The Hive, is opening a Jersey City location this month; a new downtown Jersey City playground is coming to Barrow Street; and resident Sue Stephens named Hoboken’s 2024 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on May 19th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- The Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar Opening in Former Jersey Social Space in Jersey City
- Hoboken Pastry Chef Designs Cake for Former New York Met “Doc” Gooden
- Fatal Shooting in Jersey City Investigated by Police
- Fare Hikes + One-Way Tickets: NJ Transit Updates
- New Downtown Jersey City Playground Coming to Barrow Street
- Northern Soul Shares Uncertain Update About Its Current Hoboken Location
- Uber and Lyft Drivers Being Targeted in Downtown Jersey City
- Hoboken Man Arrested After Fight Over Parking Spot
- The Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar Opening in Former Jersey Social Space in Jersey City
- Hoboken Public Library’s Uptown Book Locker Now at the Hoboken Historical Museum
Fatal Shooting in Jersey City Investigated by Police
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) are investigating a fatal shooting that took place on May 10th. Per the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, shortly before 10PM, the JCPD received a report of shots fired in the area of Pearsall Avenue and Garfield Avenue. The male victim, later identified as Resheed Wallace, 24, of Jersey City was found with an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body. He was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 10:25 p.m. The Cause and Manner of Death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
Hoboken Pastry Chef Designs Cake for Former New York Met “Doc” Gooden
Photo Credit: Begum Arda
Pastry chef and Hoboken resident Begum Arda was hired to design a cake for former New York Mets pitcher, Dwight “Doc” Gooden’s retirement party. Per NJ.com, the celebration took place at Hill Country Famous BBQ in New York City on April 13th.
The Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar Opening in Former Jersey Social Space in Jersey City
Photo Credit: @zack_the_rose
New restaurant The Horseshoe Kitchen + Bar opened at 837 Jersey Avenue, where Jersey Social was. The new spot describes itself as “a neighborhood place” with “upscale, eclectic cuisine”. Click here for more.
Hoboken Man Arrested After Fight Over Parking Spot
A 60-year-old man from Hoboken was arrested after allegedly opening someone’s car door and striking the driver with a wooden plank on the head, torso, arms, and leg. Per Patch Hoboken, on April 24th, Christopher Linton was charged with burglary, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, and unlawful possession of a weapon, Hoboken police said. The incident started as a verbal argument over a parking spot.
Related Companies’ 800-Unit Tower Approved by Jersey City
Jersey City’s Planning Board approved a proposal for 20 Columbus Drive on May 7th. Per Jersey Digs, Related Companies purchased the 1.3-acre lot at 20 Columbus Drive for $58 million last year. The project, called Harborside 4, will be the company’s first high-rise residential property in New Jersey.
Sue Stephens Named Hoboken’s 2024 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal
Photo Credit: Sue Stephens
The American Legion Hoboken Post 107 has unanimously voted that the 2024 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal will be Sue Stephens. Sue is a recently retired Army Veteran and is the first woman to be named Grand Marshal for the parade. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 22nd. She’s also the interior decorator of Stumpy, the city-famous stump, in Hoboken. More on that here.
City of Hoboken to Rename Gym Facility After
Local Resident Damon Murray
The City of Hoboken announced that the gym at 605 Jackson Street will be renamed later this summer in honor of Damon Murray. Damon was a standout athlete at Hoboken High School who passed away earlier this year. Click here for more.
Hoboken Memorial Day Parade 2024 Returns Wednesday, 5/22
Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is just around the corner. The City of Hoboken has announced its annual parade, to take place on Wednesday, May 22nd. The event kicks off at 6PM on Wednesday and will march down Washington Street from City Hall to the Hoboken Elks Lodge. Click here for more.
Limit on Single-Use Plastics at Hoboken Restaurants
Advances to Second Council Vote
A proposal to limit single-use plastics in Hoboken has advanced through the first reading at the Hoboken City Council. The proposal would see customers have to opt-in to getting plasticware along with their takeout meals. Click here for more.
Jersey City Woman Charged with Burglarizing Two Local Post Offices
A Jersey City woman was arrested on May 8th and charged with burglarizing two U.S. Post Offices on six occasions. According to the Jersey City Times, Zyeama Johnson, 29, was charged with six counts of burglary of a post office. She appeared before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy Waldor in Newark federal court on May 8th and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond. Authorities say Zyeama had previously been employed at the post office and was terminated from her position.
Bayonne’s 1888 Studios is Designated as First Film-Lease Partner Facility
Bayonne’s 1888 Studios is designated as the first film-lease partner facility by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Board. This commits the developer to occupy the facility for at least five years. Per Hudson County View, this designation will open the door for more production companies to film in New Jersey, helping to support local small businesses and create thousands of jobs, Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
Popular Hoboken Coffee Shop, The Hive, Opening Jersey City
Location This Month
Local favorite The Hive will open a Jersey City location this month on Jersey Avenue. This coffee shop, located at 1000 Park Avenue in Hoboken, is known for its creative coffee drinks, cinnamon rolls, and kid-friendly play space. Catherine and Kristin told HG that the official opening date for the Jersey City outpost will be Monday, May 20th. Click here for more.
Hoboken High School Student Government Donates Supplies to Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps
The Hoboken High School Student Government recently donated essential supplies to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Per TapInto Hoboken, the Philanthropic Committee within the Student Government organized this effort with chairpersons Hayley Dobson and GG Fink. The donation of supplies to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps helped meet a need within the community and highlights the importance of giving back.
Uber and Lyft Drivers Being Targeted in Thefts in Downtown Jersey City
Jersey City police confirmed that dozens of drivers have been robbed in planned-out crimes in the Downtown Jersey City area. Per NJ.com, the Jersey City Police Department is working closely with the NYPD and surrounding municipalities where these thefts are also occurring. Jersey City police said that Uber and Lyft drivers have been specifically targeted.
$4.4 Million Federal Grant Provided to Hoboken Housing Authority
Representative Rob Menendez announced that the Hoboken Housing Authority will receive a $4.4 million federal grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Per a press release from Representative Menendez’s office, grants will be provided to nine housing authorities, including Hoboken’s. The grant is included in $49,995,966 in funding provided through HUD’s Capital Fund Program.
Northern Soul Shares Uncertain Update About Its
Current Hoboken Location
View this post on Instagram
On May 10th, Northern Soul announced on its Instagram that it would be forced to close for several months due to construction at The Sky Club, and completely remove its front patio. The owners shared in the Instagram post: “We have been working diligently for the last few weeks with both the building and landlord to avoid closing, we tried every avenue we could think of but there doesn’t seem to be a way around this.” Click here for more.
Hoboken Brownstone Featured in Vogue Magazine
View this post on Instagram
A brownstone in Hoboken was featured in Vogue magazine for its deeply dramatic design elements, inspired by a majestic city storm. Per Vogue, lush textures, high-contrast surfaces, and slick metallic finishes amp up the drama in this four-level home. Interior designer Crystal Sinclair used some of nature’s best elements as inspiration when coming up with the design concepts. The home’s owners, Maggie and Ryan, share the brownstone with their two-year-old daughter Delaney, two dogs, and a new family member on the way.
Controversial Overhaul of OPRA Bill is Passed by New Jersey Legislature
On May 13th, the New Jersey Legislature passed an overhaul to the state’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Per CBS News, New Jersey advocacy groups worry a bill to reform the OPRA will limit access to government information. OPRA was enacted in 2002 and was designed to expand public access to government records. The measure is now headed to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.
New Downtown Jersey City Playground Coming to Barrow Street
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop recently announced that a new playground will be built at Barrow Street between Newark Avenue and Columbus Drive. Per Jersey Digs, this section of the street was closed to vehicle traffic last year via an Executive Order from the Mayor’s office. The closures raised concerns from local business owners in the community. While the closing initially started as a pilot program, the street has remained closed to cars.
Man Rescued from 4-Alarm Fire in Bayonne
A man was rescued from a Bayonne home in flames at East 15th Street on May 13th. Per NJ.com, Bayonne firefighters responded to the burning three-story home and immediately raised a ground ladder to the third-floor window and brought the man to safety. The man was taken via McCabe EMS to a local hospital for minor smoke inhalation. No other residents or firefighters were injured. This incident is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Argentinian Artist Creates 46k Square Foot Mural in Jersey City
Chop’Em Down by Felipe Pantone. Photo courtesy of M18 Public Relations.
Public spaces throughout Jersey City are being invigorated with vibrant murals thanks to the Jersey City Mural Arts Program. The latest mural to join this community-driven program spans over 25 floors at the Journal Square Urby, a rental project slated to open this summer. This nearly 46,000-square-foot installation was created by Argentinian artist, Felipe Pantone.
Years After Fatal Hoboken Train Crash, NJ Transit Settles Lawsuit For $2M
NJ Transit settled the last case resulting from the fatal 2016 train crash in Hoboken. Per NJ.com, a settlement was reached with Thomas Dougan, 70, of Fair Lawn, a conductor who was injured and still helped passengers off the wrecked train. His lawyer said Thomas received $2 million. One person was killed and 108 people were injured when the Pascack Valley line commuter train went through a concrete barrier at the end of the tracks on September 29, 2016.
Strand Salon Studios Starting Work on Hoboken Retail Space
at 1425 Hudson Street
Strand Salon Studios is set to open at 1425 Hudson Street in Hoboken. This high-end studio provides beauty professionals with luxurious, customizable room rentals. This will be the chain’s 6th location, with two more on the way. Click here for more.
Jersey City’s McNair Student Joins the Bezos Scholar Program
Rayana Ba a junior at McNair High School, and her teacher, Sundoes Elbery, will become part of the 2024 Bezos Scholars Program cohort. Per the Jersey City Times, Rayana will be going on an all-expenses paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, where she and other students will participate in leadership training, and panel discussions with global leaders. Then Rayana will be responsible for launching a sustainable community change project to transform her community. Sundoes teaches science at McNair and was originally a student Scholar in 2011, making her the second Scholar in history to return later and serve as an educator.
Hoboken Public Library’s Uptown Book Locker Now at the Hoboken Historical Museum
Hoboken Library card holders can now pick up library materials from the uptown book locker, located at the Hoboken Historical Museum located at 1301 Hudson Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 15th at the museum’s walkway, according to a press release from the museum. This is the first 24/7 library book locker in New Jersey, making it convenient for residents to order books from the library online as well as drop them off. The uptown book locker features the photography of artist and graphic designer, McKevin Shaughnessy from his book, “The Hidden Faces of Hoboken: A Finder’s Guide to the Architectural Heads in Hoboken.”
Fare Hikes + One-Way Tickets: NJ Transit Updates Policies
A new policy will change NJ Transit one-way tickets to a 30-day expiration period and fare hikes will take effect on July 1st, depending on the route and type of fare purchased. Also, congestion fees for drivers going into Manhattan will take effect on June 30th. A toll will be applied to vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan: local streets and avenues at or below 60th Street. Click here for more.
Updates on 38 Jackson Street, the Site of the Former Chambord Building
New developments are underway at the site of the former Chambord building, destroyed by two devastating fires. Among the projects are apartments, restaurants, shops, a parking garage, and space for a supermarket. The building will be expanded from five stories to nine, and 250+ spaces will be added in the parking garage. Click here for more.
Jersey City Ranks 10th Worst City for Bed Bug Infestations
Pest Gnome ranked 2024’s Worst Cities for Bed Bug Infestations just in time for Bed Bug Awareness Week starting June 2nd. Jersey City ranked as the 10th worst city in the U.S., with 1st place being the worst. Per Pest Gnome, it compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on three categories, number of accommodations, multi-unit residential buildings, and population density.
Hoboken Housing Authority Approves Resolution to
Remove Commissioner Sanford
The Hoboken Housing Authority voted on a resolution to have Commissioner James Sanford removed at a chaotic meeting on May 9th. Per the Hudson County View, after objections from Sanford, a vote was called and the measure was approved 4-1(2), with Sanford voting no and Commissioners David Edwards and Jeannie Rodriguez abstaining.
GoFundMe Started for Bayonne Family Who Lost Everything in Massive Fire
Edgar Caballeros, a Bayonne soccer coach, created a GoFundMe page for a Bayonne family who lost everything in a four-alarm fire at 19 East 15th Street on May 13th. Per the Hudson County View, one of Edgar’s players was affected by the fire. The house he lived in with his family was burnt down and completely destroyed. Fortunately, the entire family was able to escape safely. Click here to donate.
Vietnam Veteran Selected as Bayonne Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal
Joe Kochanski, a Vietnam veteran, has been named grand marshal of the 2024 Bayonne Memorial Day Parade to be held on May 27th. Per NJ.com, Joe was born and raised in Bayonne, served as chapter president of a national veterans group and designed a veterans memorial in a city park. After graduating from Bayonne High School he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964.
Hudson County Approves 14th Street Viaduct Pedestrian Protection
On May 9th, the Hudson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved (9-0) a $23,920 environmental engineering contract for pedestrian protection at the 14th Street Viaduct. Per the Hudson County View, the county is also partnering with Hoboken to launch safety improvements to Willow Avenue, including bike lane and crosswalk visibility improvements.
Updates on Liberty State Park’s Future
Shawn M. LaTourette, Commissioner of Environmental Protection ruled out a plan by billionaire Paul Fireman to build a stadium complex in Liberty State Park’s interior. Per the Jersey City Times, Commissioner LaTourette said that close to 150 acres of land would be devoted to arts, cultural, and recreational uses instead. The plan also includes wetland restoration, bike and walking trails around and over wetlands, and berms created to provide flood resilience.
Curbside Planning Process Launched by the City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken Department of Transportation and Parking announced via a press release on May 10th, the launch of The Curb Reimagined, Hoboken’s Curbside Mobility and Parking Action Plan. This plan will recommend strategies to help meet the needs of people and businesses, adapt curbside space, and improve safety, sustainability, and economic development. Some potential curbside uses include loading zones, parking, bus stops, pick-up and drop-off zones, bike lanes, and outdoor dining. The city and its partners, Kimley-Horn and Populus, are working to create a digital inventory of existing curbside regulations. Once complete, the map will be publicly accessible online to inform residents of curbside regulations such as limited parking for construction, street cleaning, and more.
MLK Day Events + Volunteer Opportunities in Hudson County and Beyond for 2025
MLK Jr. Day, the holiday where American citizens reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings and contributions to the civil rights movement, is typically observed on the third Monday of January. For 2025, MLK Day falls on January 20th. A large component of this holiday also encompasses The Day of Service, which encourages people to volunteer to improve their communities. From marches to coat drives, there are a plethora of opportunities to get involved and honor MLK in New Jersey. Read on for a brief history of MLK, his local ties to Hudson County, and events happening in Northern New Jersey + beyond for 2025.
The History
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. His leadership was fundamental to ending the legal segregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the country. MLK rose to national prominence as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which promoted nonviolent tactics. Undoubtedly the most popular and influential movement was the massive March on Washington in 1963, where Dr. King gave his infamous "I Have a Dream" speech. The Civil Rights Act was passed a year later in 1964 and Dr. King was then awarded the Nobel Peace Prize shortly after. He is considered one of the greatest orators of modern times, and his speeches still inspire many to this day.
Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Did You Know?
- King's birth name was Michael, not Martin.
- King entered college at the age of 15.
- King received his doctorate in Systematic Theology.
- King’s "I Have a Dream" speech was not his first at the Lincoln Memorial.
- King was imprisoned nearly 30 times.
- George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Cesar Chavez are the only other Americans with birthdays observed as a National Holiday.
- MLK was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
- There are over 730 streets in the United States named after Martin Luther King, Jr.
- He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal + the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
MLK’s Ties to Hudson County
According to CityofJerseyCity.org, Dr. King spoke at least twice in Jersey City in the 1960s. On September 21st, 1965, he received an honorary Doctor of Law from St. Peter’s College. Upon his reception, he gave a speech called “The American Dream” to over 500 people during the annual Michaelmas Convocation — a heavily photographed event and even televised, as Dr. King spoke out against segregation and for equality. Unfortunately, the MLK Jr. Papers Project at Stanford reported it doesn’t have a transcription of the speech, but there are many historical references to its occurrence, including a photo. From first and second-hand accounts, it was noted that he said, “The time is always now,” and postured that legislation is an important part of the civil rights battle. He was also quoted saying that “although legislation could not change a person’s ideas, it could regulate his behavior and restrain the heartlessness.” Citing his own non-violent forms of resistance, he condemned the violence and said it created more problems than it solved, foreseeing a world in which “there will be a symphony of brotherhood.” A world, “where all of god’s children, white and black, Protestant and Catholic, Jew and Gentile, will be free at last.”
The second time Dr. King came to Hudson County was Wednesday, March 27th, 1968 which was less than seven days before his assassination. At this visit, he spoke in front of over 2,000 people at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. In another noteworthy instance in D.C., King was photographed with Jersey City police officer Charles Jackson during a speech. Officer Jackson was hired as a security coordinator to assist with the event in our nation’s capital. Today, there stands a large bust of Dr. King on MLK Boulevard in Jersey City.
MLK Day Events in Northern New Jersey + New York
38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at St. Paul Baptist Church | 119 Elm Street, Montclair
January 18th | 9AM-12PM
The community breakfast at St. Paul Baptist Church, hosted by Montclair's Eta Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, has returned for its 38th year. The hosts of this event have announced that Reverend Ronald Slaughter, a leader, preacher, and social justice advocate, will be this year's guest speaker. Guests can look forward to a morning filled with reflecting on Dr. King's visions, tributes, and messages of peace, love, and equality. Learn more about this event here.
Dr. Martin Luther King March of Resistance | 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark
January 18th | 12PM
The Martin Luther King Jr. March of Resistance is sponsored by People's Organization for Progress, a Newark-based social justice organization. This march, which has been endorsed by over 250 organizations, has occurred annually for over 35 years. Participants will meet at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard prior to the march. Learn more about this event here.
Portrait Painting Family Workshop: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Jersey City Free Public Library: Cunningham Branch | 275 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City
January 18th | 1PM-2:30PM
Hudson County residents are invited to paint a portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this family-friendly event. This community gathering will take place at the Cunningham Branch of the Jersey City Free Public Library. All kinds of painting supplies will be provided to guests. While registration is currently full, locals can sign up for the waitlist here.
MLK Day Celebration Unity Run + Walk at Nishuane Park | High Street, Montclair
January 19th | 9AM-12PM
Fleet Feet Montclair, Black Men Run Northern New Jersey Chapter, and Brooks will host a 5k Unity Run + Walk in honor of MLK Jr. + Coretta Scott King. This run + walk will begin at Nishuane Park, near the Kings Monument. In addition, hosts will collect toiletries for Toni’s Kitchen at this event. Locals can drop off their donations at the park between 8AM and 9AM. Donations will also be accepted at Fleet Feet Montclair from January 17th through January 19th. Click here for more details about this event.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Brooklyn Children's Museum | 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
January 19th + January 20th | 10AM-5PM
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Brooklyn Children's Museum will provide its guests with interactive shadow puppetry performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects on January 19th + January 20th. The museum will also partner with Repair the World Brooklyn, a Jewish nonprofit organization, on the second day of this event for a volunteer service project committed to bettering the Brooklyn community. See more details here.
Care of the Park in Branch Brook Park | 115 Clifton Avenue, Newark
January 20th | 10AM-2PM
Essex County locals who want to get involved on MLK Jr. Day can attend this Jersey Cares event to beautify Branch Brook Park in Newark. Attendees will help remove the invasive Phragmitie plant from different areas of the park. This project runs from January 15th to February 27th, so those who cannot attend on January 20th can also volunteer on any of the other dates. Register for this park clean-up event here.
Community Day Martin Luther King Jr: Stronger Together at The Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
January 20th | 12PM-5PM
The Newark Museum of Art will host an MLK Jr. event on January 20th. The theme of this gathering is Stronger Together, which reflects the museum's "shared commitment to working hand in hand across communities through service, where love triumphs over hate, peace over conflict, and unity over division," according to its website. This event is free but tickets are required. Learn more about this event here and get tickets here.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance, Volunteer Fair, and Luminary Lighting at Columbia High School | 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood
January 20th | 2PM
This annual event, hosted by Community Coalition on Race, an organization based in South Orange + Maplewood, includes an MLK observance, volunteer fair, and luminary lighting. This year’s theme is “Upholding Dr. King’s Legacy in Challenging Times.” Guests can look forward to interfaith readings, music, dances, and two keynote speakers: Dr. Saladin Ambar, senior scholar at Eagleton’s Center on the American Governor and political science professor at Rutgers, and Ibi Zoboi, New York Times bestselling author and editor of Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America. See more about this event here.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund Breakfast at Montclair High School | 141 Park Street, Montclair
January 20th | 7:30AM-9:30AM
Every year, the Annual Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by The Township of Montclair and the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund, raises money for seniors at Montclair High School headed for college. January 20th will be the event's 36th year running. This event will take place at the Atrium in the George Inness Annex of Montclair High School, where the guest speaker is Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville. See more about this breakfast here.
Jersey Cares Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service — "I Have A Dream" Walk at Millburn High School Track | 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
January 20th | 10AM-12PM
Join Jersey Cares for its annual "I Have A Dream" Walk on January 15th in Millburn. Guests have the choice to either walk two miles or run a 5K. 50% of all funds raised at this event will go towards the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice. Registration for this event is free. See More information here.
MLK Day of Service: Kit Assembly | Multiple Locations
January 20th | Various Times
At this Jersey Cares event, locals can volunteer to make a variety of kits to support children in need, as well as local nonprofits and schools all over the state. The kits include Grief Sensory Kits, Sensory Kits, Adopt A Dog Kits, Veteran Support Dog Kits, Children's Literacy Kits, and Adult Literacy Kits. These events will take place in Parsippany, Princeton, and Woodbridge on January 20th. Times for these events vary. See more information here.
MLK Jr. Day Happy Hour at The Shannon Rose | 8 Kingsland Road, Clifton + 1200 NJ-17, Ramsey
January 20th | 11AM
The Shannon Rose in Clifton and Ramsey will host an MLK Jr. Day happy hour on January 20th. Customers can look forward to various menu specials and $2 off beer, liquor, wine, and mocktails. This happy hour will start at 11AM.
MLK Illuminary Lighting + Canned Food Drive at Meadowland Park | 5 Mead Street, South Orange
January 20th | 2PM-5PM
Locals can see the largest display of MLK Jr. Day luminaries in the South Orange + Maplewood area at Meadowland Park on MLK Jr. Day. In collaboration with the Community Coalition on Race, the park will be filled with light from the luminaries and special lighting + video installations at 5PM. This event will also consist of a canned food drive at 2PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring all sorts of non-perishable canned items. Learn more about this event here.
2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Annual Memorial at the Culinary Conference Center | 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City
January 28th | 10:30AM-12PM
Hudson County locals are invited to join Hudson County Community College on January 28th to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of civil rights icon Malcolm X, will speak at this annual event. The memorial will also feature the opening reception of the HCCC's Civil Rights exhibition in the Benjamin J. Dineen + Dennis C. Hull Gallery at the Gabert Library, which is located on the Sixth Floor of the college. Register for this event here.
30th Annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest 2025 at City Hall Council Chambers | 280 Grove Street, 2nd Floor, Jersey City
February 3rd-February 5th | 3:30PM-7:30PM + 3:30PM-6PM
The annual MLK oratory contest, organized by Jersey City's Office of Cultural Affairs, has returned for 2025. To celebrate Black History Month, elementary and middle school students will perform one of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s writings or speeches in front of a panel of judges. Grades three to five will perform on February 3rd from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. Grades six to eight will perform on February 4th from 3:30PM to 7:30PM. The final competition will take place on February 5th from 3:30PM to 6PM. See more information here.
Volunteer Opportunities
MLK Day of Service Weekend Snack Pack at Community Baptist Church of Englewood | 224 1st Street, Englewood
January 18th | 12PM-3PM
This MLK Day of Service event, hosted by the Center for Food Action, invites volunteers to help create 2,000 snack packs for children in need. According to its website, this will "[help] fill the gap for children at risk of hunger by providing healthy, kid-friendly, and easy-to-prepare foods." Get tickets for this event here.
Coat Sorting with Jersey Cares | Multiple Locations
January 19th | 12PM-4PM
Volunteers will have the opportunity to sort through coat donations in person at Jersey Cares' container sites the day before MLK Day. While some sites are closed for registration as of this writing, there are multiple locations available, including the Branchburg, Cherry Hill, Garfield, Livingston, and Morristown sites. Registration is free and the project is suitable for people aged 14 and older. Register for this event here.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Food Drive at Chatham United Methodist Church | 464 Main Street, Chatham
January 20th | 9:30AM-12PM
The Chatham United Methodist Church will host a food drive in observance of MLK Day 2025 on January 20th. Suggested donations include pasta, rice, canned fruits + vegetables, peanut butter, and other non-perishable canned or boxed items. From 11:30AM to 12PM, attendees can partake in a prayer service while reflecting on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
See More: Remembering MLK + His Visit to Montclair High School
Martin Luther King Day of Service at JCC of Central New Jersey | 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
January 20th | 10AM-5PM
Those interested in getting involved on this historic day can volunteer and donate through Scotch Plains + Fanwood's MLK Day of Service Event. This event at JCC of Central New Jersey will start at 10AM. From 11AM to 5PM, families can partake in online + in-person volunteer opportunities.
In the spirit of MLK Day, there are also many ways to give back right here in Hoboken + Jersey City. Check out our round-up of local non-profits to donate to year-round here.
