Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events in and Around Princeton

Mercer County Community College hosts its annual celebration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, “Celebrating Our Future.” The event will showcase local performers, including poets, violinists, guitarists, vocalists, storytellers, and the MCCC Upward Bound Program Dance Ensemble.  Also part of this year’s celebration will be the viewing of President Obama’s inauguration ceremony via streaming video, which begins at noon, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. 

Martin Luther King Day of Service at Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters. Put on your work boots and join Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands for an invigorating cleanup session of small trees, brush, vines, and trash. Bring tools such as saws, clippers, loppers and rakes.  Dress for the weather, whatever it is - work gloves, sturdy shoes, warm clothing and hats are recommended. It's free and all are welcome.  For more information, see www.fpnl.org or call 609-683-0483. Free, Noon. 

Princeton University recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy as a model for those who cherish civil and human rights. This year we welcome Keynote speaker Anne Cheng; Professor of English and African American Studies at Princeton University, with musical performance by The Arts High School Gospel Choir of Newark. Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, Free, 1-3 p.m. 

 The Arts Council of Princeton, Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum, and the Historical Society of Princeton will bring Dr. King's ideals to life and into the community for an afternoon of creative learning, puppet shows, artistic expressions and fun for children. Each child will make a puppet, and they will collaborate with others to create and practice skits that resolve conflicts in a peaceful way. Free with a non-perishible or canned food item for each attendee. All food collected will be donated to the Crisis Ministry -- helping those who need a hand in local communities. 1 p.m. 

Princeton High School Studio Band Jazz Ensemble will perform on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day. The one-hour performance will be broadcast on the website, www.kennedy-center.org, 6 p.m.

Interfaith Service to Commemorate and Honor the Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. The Princeton Clergy Association's Annual Interfaith Service to Commemorate and honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King will be at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau St. Faith leaders from a wide range of traditions will co-lead the interfaith worship service. The Reverend Muriel Burrows, Pastor of Withserpoon Street Presbyterian Church will be the preacher. People are encouraged to bring children and grandchildren. Free, 7-8:30 p.m. 

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