Ceremony held at the JCC of Central New Jersey in Scotch Plains

The opening program included welcoming remarks from Mike Goldstein, executive director of the JCC,  MLK Say co-chairs Coutney Agnello and Amanda Barnett; and Delois Dawson, who acted as emcee; musical performances from Las Cantadoras(Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS's select women's choir), and the SPF Community Choir; a fun facts presentation linking Dr. King to hip hop, and a presentation of the MLK Day of Service Award to Maria Daniels, founder of iDance Ministry (a dance mentoring program).

Members of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School's Black Student Union performed "Martin Luther King and the Women of Essence," which recounted the important women who shaped his life and legacy. Performers were:

• Jaden Reynolds: Dr. King
• Veronica Legerme: Alberta Williams King (mother)
• Juline Maignan: Coretta Scott King (wife)
• Kimora Dieujuste: Dorothy Cotton (civil rights activist)
• Sequoia Pilgrin: Ella Baker (civil rights activist)
• Monique Francilot: Dorothy Height (civil rights activist)
• Bianca Evans: Prathia Hall (civil rights activist)
• Sara Favrier: Mahalia Jackson (gospel singer)

Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo and Fanwood Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell made brief remarks on behalf of the towns, and Rabbi Joel Abraham of Temple Sholom and the Social Justice Matters organization gave the benediction. Other leaders on hand were Scotch Plains Manager Al Mirabella and Deputy Manager Margaret Heisey, Scotch Plains police chief Ted Conley, Scotch Plains Councilman Matt Adams and Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Stamler, Fanwood Councilwomen Gina Berry and Trish Walsh, and Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski.

Following the event, volunteer opportunities took place at the JCC, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, All Saints Church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and other locations throughout the community.