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OCEAN CITY, NJ — Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual ceremony in Ocean City, set for Jan. 18.
The ceremony will start at 12 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle and brings the community together to remember King through words, song and dance. The 2025 event had originally been scheduled to be held Monday, Jan. 20.
The ceremony will be followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon at the Tabernacle.
The Rev. Paul C. Jerkins, Cathy DiMarco and the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard in memory of Regina Ralston will be honored with Martin Luther King Community Service Awards. Each year, the awards recognize volunteer activity and service to the Ocean City community.
According to the city:
Rev. Jerkins recently celebrated the completion of his 10th year as pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, which has served Ocean City since 1912. DiMarco has been a tireless leader and advocate for the local chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, which fulfills the wishes of students with developmental, emotional, or familial income issues by sending them on their dream trips. Ralston served as the manager of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard for many years. The Jan. 18 presentation will include much more on each of these exemplary recipients.
Students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School — including Jane Heng, Grace Kane, Ava Clevenger and Darrien Mayo — will read their winning essays on the influence of Dr. King.
Volunteers are invited to join others nationwide in a Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20 to honor King’s contributions. Citizens are asked to participate in a citywide cleanup from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sign-up and supply distribution will take place at the Ocean City Music Pier, located on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace. To pre-register, email pwoc@ocnj.us.