OCEAN CITY – Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 18 starting at noon at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
The event brings the community together to remember the Rev. Dr. 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.
The 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 seven and eight 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 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 noon. Sign-up and supply distribution will take place at the Ocean City Music Pier, located on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace. To pre-register, please email pwoc@ocnj.us.
