Ocean City Martin Luther King Ceremony, Day Of Service Jan. 21

OCEAN CITY, NJ - For the first time, Ocean City will hold both of its annual events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the same day, city officials announced.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony and Soul Food Dinner moves from its traditional date of the Saturday before Martin Luther King Day to Martin Luther King Day itself, on Monday, Jan. 21.

The ceremony will now take place on the same day as the annual Martin Luther King Day of Service, and will be held at noon at the Hughes Performing Arts Center of Ocean City High School.

The ceremony brings the community together to remember King through words, song and dance. After the program, everybody is invited to a free soul food dinner in the high school cafeteria.

Rev. Gregory Johnson of Shiloh Baptist Church will bring back one of the event’s traditional highlights -- his recitation of Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

Rev. Marcia Stanford of Macedonia Methodist Church and the Rev. Stephen Connor of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will give a scripture readings. Ocean City resident Sally Onesty will be honored with the Martin Luther King Award for her support of individuals and families battling the effects of addiction.

Students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School will be honored for their winning essays.

During the ceremony, the city honors citizens who exemplify the philosophy and ideas of the late Dr. King with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Services Award.

The city is currently seeking nominees for the award. Anyone interested in making a nomination can learn more and find printable forms online at www.ocnj.us/mlk.

Volunteers are also invited to join others nationwide in a Day of Service to honor King’s contributions. In Ocean City, citizens are asked to participate in a citywide cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon.

Sign-up and supply distribution will take place at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center, located in the Community Center, 17th Street and Simpson Avenue. Hot drinks and refreshments will be available back at the Senior Center after the cleanup.

To participate or for more information, call 609-399-6111.

The attached image was provided by Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen.