There are many ways to remember Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 16. Whether you choose to study history or volunteer for a good cause there is something for everyone on the national day of service.
The West Windsor Township Human Relations Council and the West Windsor Plainsboro African-American Parent Support Group commemorate the day at their fifth annual program titled, “Stories of a living witness’s journey with Dr. King during the civil rights movement” with keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Philip R. Newell. The event takes place at the West Windsor Library from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Newell served as a graduate teaching assistant at Boston University when Martin Luther King Jr. was a doctoral student there. He later provided logistical support for the March on Washington in 1963 and was jailed during voter registration efforts in Mississippi in 1964. The senior pastor of the Welsh Congregation since 2003, Newell is ordained in both the Church of Scotland and the Church of England traditions.
The program will be moderated by John McNamara, the social studies supervisor for the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District. He is committed to providing students with an opportunity to learn about history and to use their personal experiences as teaching moments.
McNamara received his bachelor and master degrees in American history from Columbia University. He worked in the New York City public schools as a teacher, curriculum writer, social studies supervisor, assistant principal, and principal. He has received Fulbright fellowships to Korea and China, a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship at the University of Kansas to study slavery and the Civil War, and two Woodrow Wilson Foundation fellowships at Princeton University in American studies and world history. McNamara has worked in the WW-P district since 1999.
“This program will provide an opportunity for students young and old, of all races, ethnicities, and faith traditions to listen and share their stories as living witnesses for social justice that encompass Dr. King’s lifelong dream of creating a beloved community,” said West Windsor Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh in a press release.
There will be an arts and crafts program and a screening of “Our Friend Martin: An Adventure Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.,” a film for all ages. A reception will be held following the program.
— Lynn Miller
Martin Luther King Day Celebration, West Windsor Human Relations Council, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road. Monday, January 16, 2 to 4:30 p.m. 609-799-0462.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Historical Society of Princeton, Updike Farmstead, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton. Saturday, January 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dream bags are filled with treats for Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Register. $5. 609-921-6748. www.princetonhistory.org.
National Day of Service, Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston. Monday, January 16, Noon to 3 p.m. Put on your work boots and help clear small trees, brush, vines, and trash. Bring saws, clippers, loppers, and rakes; wear work gloves and warm clothing. 609-683-0483. www.fpnl.org.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration, Princeton University, Richardson Auditorium. Monday, January 16, 1 p.m. Presentation of awards to essay, poster, and video contest winners from New Jersey schools. Open to the public. Free. 609-258-3601. www.princeton.edu/mlk.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration, Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street. Monday, January 16, 1 to 4 p.m. Hands-on workshops and projects for elementary and middle school students. Co-sponsored by by Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum and the Historical Society of Princeton. Free. 609-924-8777. www.artscouncilofprinceton.org.
