Jersey City Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Rev. Al Sharpton and Community Leaders

Jersey City Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Rev. Al Sharpton and Community Leaders
Pictured (left to right): Rev. Daryl M. Griffin Sr., Rev. Steffie Bartley Sr., Newark City Councilwoman-at-Large Louis Scott-Rountree, Rev. Bolivar Flores, Bishop Jevah L. Richardson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Gloria Walton, Former Governor Jim McGreevey, Assemblyman William B. Sampson, and Brandi Warren gather in unity during the MLK Day commemoration in Jersey City.

On January 15, 2025, Jersey City came together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a powerful commemorative service held at A Better Life Ministry. The event was a blend of reflection, inspiration, and renewed calls to action, featuring prominent leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Raul Ruiz, Rev. Steffie Bartley Sr., Bishop Jevah L. Richardson, former Governor Jim McGreevey, and Rev. Daryl M. Griffin Sr..


A Call for Unity and Activism

The keynote speaker, Rev. Al Sharpton, delivered a stirring message about the ongoing relevance of Dr. King’s teachings in today’s social and political climate. “As we honor Dr. King's legacy this year, our nation again stands at a crossroads in the fight for the soul of America,” Sharpton declared. He emphasized the need for unity, continued activism, and vigilance in protecting civil rights.

The service highlighted pressing issues such as voting rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, and criminal justice reform, connecting Dr. King’s legacy to current struggles for justice and equality. Sharpton’s words served as a rallying cry for community members to stay engaged and committed to change.


Community Leaders Share Their Vision

Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey spoke about the importance of community engagement and policy reform, underscoring the role of local leaders in addressing systemic inequality. “The fight for justice begins in our communities—with people willing to take action,” he said.

Other speakers, including Rev. Steffie Bartley Sr. and Rev. Raul Ruiz, echoed these sentiments, calling for a united effort to uphold Dr. King’s dream of equality for all.


A Celebration of Legacy

The service also featured moving musical performances and heartfelt reflections on Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement. Gospel choirs and soloists filled the church with songs of hope and resilience, adding an emotional and uplifting element to the gathering.

Attendees of all ages came together to celebrate Dr. King’s vision, with many expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on his legacy in a way that felt deeply personal and relevant to today’s challenges.


Continuing the Fight for Justice

The event in Jersey City was part of a larger series of Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorations led by Rev. Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN). Throughout the week, these events aimed to inspire action and amplify the call for justice on issues such as voting rights and systemic reform.

As the ceremony came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired to carry forward Dr. King’s mission in their daily lives. “Dr. King taught us that the dream doesn’t end with words—it lives on in our actions,” one attendee remarked.