Why We Should Observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a holiday—it is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all. Dr. King’s legacy calls us to reflect on our shared responsibility to build inclusive, compassionate communities where every individual can thrive. His vision of a “beloved community” rooted in love, social justice, and collective action remains as relevant today as ever.
The values that guided Dr. King’s work—dismantling oppression, fostering equity, and promoting acts of kindness—are the same principles that shape the mission of Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Metrowest: social justice, human dignity, and repairing the world (Tikkun Olam). JFS serves individuals of all backgrounds, working to break down barriers to economic security, provide essential services, and create opportunities for all members of the community to live with dignity.
One of the most impactful ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy is by standing up to hate and prejudice in our daily lives. Acts of bias and discrimination, big or small, undermine the fabric of our communities. Active bystander training empowers individuals to safely and effectively respond to injustice, promoting a culture of inclusion and respect.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honor his legacy by taking action. Click here to sign up for an Active Bystander Training and become part of a movement to create a more just and compassionate society.
Together, we can transform Dr. King’s dream into a lived reality, one courageous act at a time.
Here are some events around Metrowest to commemorate and honor the memory of Dr. King this holiday weekend:
Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Breakfast
Speaker: Colette Phillips, “Bridging Communities: Reaffirming the Black-Jewish Alliance”
Monday, January 20, 2025
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Learn more: https://www.bethelohim.org/event/mlk-2025
Framingham State University
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Conference
Saturday, January 18, 2025
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Learn more: https://gfccnet.org/web/sites/default/files/MLK_2025YouthConferenceFlyer.pdf
Greater Framingham Community Church
MLK Sunday Celebration
Guest Preacher: Dr Manny Scott
Performances by Women’s Praise Team & Flag Ministry
Sunday, January 19, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Learn more: https://www.gfccnet.org/web/events
MLK Memorial Breakfast Celebration
Monday, January 20, 2025
9:00am
Learn more: https://gfccnet.org/web/mlk
JLOFT – Temple Beth Am, Framingham
2025 MLK Day of Service
Sunday, January 19, 2025
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Learn more: https://jloftboston.org/mlk/
Natick’s 20th Annual MLK Community Celebration
Monday, January 20, 2025
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Natick High School (Auditorium)
15 West Street, Natick, MA 01760
Learn more: https://www.sparkkindness.org/events/naticks-20th-annual-mlk-community-celebration
The Peace Abbey Foundation, Sherborn
Protest Against Fascism And Dictatorship
Monday, January 20, 2025
12:00 PM
Pacifist Memorial Park (2 North Main St., Sherborn, MA)
Learn more: https://www.spiritofchange.org/calendar/#event=protest-against-fascism-and-dictatorship;instance=20250120120000?popup=1&lang=en-US
Weston United Methodist Church
Metrowest Memorial Breakfast
Monday, January 20, 2025
9:00 AM
Learn more: https://stjulia.org/honor-martin-luther-king-jr-metrowest-memorial-breakfast-and-celebration-jan-20/