The Dream At 60 - Reaffirming Our Commitment MLK Weekend Events 1/13/2023-1/16/2023

Dear Friends,

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock invite you to the January 2023 weekend celebration, “The Dream at 60—Reaffirming Our Commitment.”

The 41^st Annual Celebration is the longest running celebration in the State that honors our brother, Martin. The weekend program is a yearlong planning project of Clergy and Community Members from within our environs.

In conjunction with the Ridgewood Library, the weekend celebration kicks off, Friday, January 13, 2023 (7:00 p.m.)  at the Ridgewood Public Library with a screening of the documentary, “The March on Washington, Keepers of the Dream.”  The film traces the Civil Rights Movement from the 1963 March on Washington to the summer of 2020, focusing on anti-Black violence that motivated decades of activism.

In addition to the movie, Rev. Mack Brandon, Pastor, A.M.E. Zion Church, Ridgewood, and Friend/Quaker, Walter Nagel, Partner of the late Bayard Rustin, Board Member Emerus, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, and a Civil Rights Activist, will provide commentary after the film.

A Day of Service will take place Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 noon; Members from the Ridgecrest Student Volunteer Ambassador Team will be onsite, 7-11 Ridge Road, Ridgewood, to collect food/ pantry & toiletries donations. In addition, this year’s MLK Planning Committee is excited to partner with the Bergen County NAACP for a Food Drive at the Shiloh A.M.E. Zion Church, 129 William Street, Englewood, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

The January 16,2023 annual interfaith service, will take place, 10:00 A.M. at the Ridgewood United Methodist Church, 100Dayton Street, Ridgewood.  Rev. Nicole Charles of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion denomination will provide a timely/relevant sermon. 

All events are expected to be live and virtual. I have attached a flyer as an easy reference guide. Please share within your community, with friends, associates and of course, family!

Financial contributions empower the Dream of a Beloved Community. Together we have commemorated the values of truth, compassion and humility that defined our Brother Martin’s character; we have remained vigilant of his walk towards justice, peace and reconciliation. Tax-deductible donations will help fund three $1,500 scholarships awarded to Glen Rock and Ridgewood High School seniors for college and vocational opportunities. To donate, visit us at, https://mlkcommitteerwgr.com .

Holding You in the Light,

Friend Jan Philips, Co-Chair, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock

Rev. Judith Wheeler, Co-Chair, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee of Ridgewood and Glen Rock

Twelfth Month 2022