North Brunswick reflects and celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 20, 2026It was an inspirational evening on Friday at the Senior Center as North Brunswick held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony.
In his remarks via IPhone, Mayor Francis ‘Mac’ Womack said, “Dr. King stepped up during the American civil rights movement, finding within himself the faith and the moral courage to step towards justice and fulfillment of our nation’s righteous potential, even though the path ahead was uncertain.”
He added, “Inspired by Dr. King, we demand fairness and equality for all Americans and we demand justice and respect for all who live here.”
Township Council President Alvin Rich said Dr. King inspired him to live a life of service, showing him that “leadership means uplifting others and real change can happen when we invest in the people.”
Council President Rich said Dr. King was a man who didn’t change laws but changed hearts.
“Dr. King led with love, not hate,” he said. “He believed that justice and equality were not just social issues. They were moral issues.
North Brunswick Township High School teacher Dorothy Lamar was honored as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award recipient.
“In education, my passion meets my purpose,” she said. “It certainly is something I am challenged to do and I am happy to do because it is something that I love.”
North Brunswick Township High School Head Track & Field Coach Schwann Grimes was the event’s keynote speaker. Coach Grimes referred to Dr. King’s Life’s Blueprint speech in 1967 in Philadelphia, which outlined three principles for living a good life: dignity and self-worth, determination for excellence and commitment to justice and love.
“We teach our athletes that regardless of their talent level, they have a purpose and they have a spot on our team,” he said. “That mindset needs to follow them in life because everyone of us, when we wake up in the morning, we have a purpose for that day.”
Coach Grimes’ winter track team is ranked No. 2 in the state and won its second consecutive Group 4 Relay State Championship this past weekend.
Livingston Park Elementary School music teacher Elizabeth Fackelman was honored with a certificate of appreciation.
During the ceremony, Livingston Park students sang God Bless America, Free at Last, This Land is Your Land, We Shall Overcome and read the Free at Last speech.
Special thanks to the Girl Scouts of North Brunswick/New Brunswick and Troop 18 Scouts, North Brunswick Youth Municipal Alliance, Zhavier Bonds (Youth Alliance Coordinator) and harpist Patrice Turse.
