From Montclair's Unity Run to Newark's March of Resistance, communities offer diverse ways to honor the civil rights leader's enduring impact.

Opening Jan. 16 as part of MLK weekend celebrations, the Emlen Physick Estate's new exhibition will explore contributions of historic Black visitors and residents.

Events Sunday include the MLK parade and a block party while on Monday access to state parks and beaches will be free for the holiday.

The newly elected lieutenant governor, an ordained minister, told the Elizabeth congregation that hope is not naïve optimism but requires concrete action and courage.

The march will start at Union Grove Baptist Church. After a pause at Commercial Circle, attendees will walk to the Wellston Center.

A day honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was first observed forty years ago, on January 20th 1986, after being recognized through a law signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. King's work and message are still ringing today,