Honoring Our Nation’s Leader of Change
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County proudly celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration, held virtually this year. Thanks to all who joined us to grow support for social justice, and the important work of Dr. King and today’s civic leaders. Click below to view our virtual program.
Thank You, Sponsors & Supporters
Your giving to our Y’s event helps us to bring life-changing programs to our sharing communities. We are grateful!
Keynote Speaker
We are pleased to welcome the words and perspective of Andrea McChristian, Law & Policy director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, as keynote speaker of our event this year. Ms. McChristian oversees the Institute’s three pillars of social justice: democracy and justice, economic justice, and criminal justice reform.
Human Dignity Award
A highlight of our annual MLK commemoration is the presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award to honor an individual who reflects the civil rights leader’s principles and ideals in both philosophy and action. We are honored to recognize Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, who was the first female to be ordained as a rabbi in the United States, as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Human Dignity award.
Congratulations 2022 Essay Contest & Scholarship Winners!
As part of our Y’s commitment to social justice and youth engagement, all high school students from greater Monmouth County were invited to participate in an essay contest. Congratulations to Safa Mbarki of Middletown High School North and William Blake of Red Bank Regional High School!
Their two essays reflecting on opportunities to embrace differences in others were selected as grand prize winners. They will each receive a $1,500 educational scholarship generously donated by Hackensack Meridian Health , New Jersey Natural Gas and PorterPlus Realty, as well as a full-year youth membership to a YMCA of Greater Monmouth County branch of their choice.
