JAMAICA, NY — New York State Senator Leroy Comrie hosted the 11th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 19, at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, bringing together community members, elected officials, artists and advocates to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The annual event, themed “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” served as both a celebration and a call to action, centering Dr. King’s enduring commitment to service, justice, and nonviolence. The program featured live music, poetry, speeches and performances that reflected the spirit of unity and civic engagement that defined Dr. King’s work.

The event was held in conjunction with a broad coalition of local, state and federal leaders, including Keynote Speaker Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator James Sanders Jr., Assembly Members Clyde Vanel, Alicia Hyndman, Khaleel Anderson, Larinda Hooks and Vivian E. Cook, as well as Council Members Selvena Brooks-Powers, Nantasha Williams and Ty Hankerson.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said: “Dr. King once said that ‘we’ve got some difficult days ahead, and those words still resonate today. In Queens, a borough shaped by diversity and resilience, Dr. King’s legacy challenges us to serve with compassion locally and to continue fighting for equality and justice across the country.” 

State Senator Leroy Comrie said: “Dr. King taught us that service is not just an act, but a responsibility. This Day of Service is about more than remembrance, it is about recommitting ourselves to strengthening our communities, uplifting one another and continuing the work of justice through action.”

State Senator James Sanders Jr. said: “Dr. King taught us that service is love made visible, and the 11th Annual MLK Day of Service at JPAC embodied that truth. This event reminded us that honoring Dr. King means showing up for our communities, meeting real needs, and committing ourselves to collective action. I commend Senator Comrie for his leadership in bringing people together to serve, uplift, and turn Dr. King’s legacy into meaningful impact.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said: “Now in its 11th year, Senator Comrie’s MLK Day of Service has become a cornerstone event in Southeast Queens—bringing residents together for reflection and meaningful dialogue. I was pleased to attend in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s enduring legacy. Working together on the fair and equitable administration of justice is essential. It is how we build trust with the communities we serve.”

Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman. "As we honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that his call to justice, equality, and collective responsibility remains as urgent today as ever. Events like Senator Comrie’s MLK Day of Service bring our community together not only to reflect on Dr. King’s vision, but to recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of racial equity, voting rights, and social justice. Dr. King taught us that we are stronger together, and through service and civic engagement, we continue building the fairer, more inclusive society he envisioned.”

Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks said: "Dr. King reminded us that the time is always right to do what is right, and Senator Comrie’s MLK Day of Service brings that message to life here in Queens. This gathering reflects the values Dr. King stood for service, unity, and nonviolence, not as words, but as work. I’m proud to stand with our neighbors, community leaders, and artists as we honor his legacy by continuing the work of justice, care, and accountability for one another"

City Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that the measure of our lives is how we serve others. I commend Senator Comrie for creating space for reflection, unity, and action through this annual Day of Service. Truly honoring Dr. King’s legacy requires ongoing dedication to building a stronger, more just community through service, nonviolence, and collective responsibility—work that continues every day, not just on the National Day of Service.”

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams said: “I’m always proud to support Senator Comrie’s MLK Day of Service because it creates space for our community to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work ahead. Dr. King was not asking us to be comfortable or quiet. He challenged us to confront injustice, name what was wrong, and take responsibility for changing it. His commitment to nonviolence was about action, showing up, speaking out, and standing firm for our communities. Honoring his legacy means continuing that fight and refusing to accept injustice as inevitable.”

Council Member Ty Hankerson said:  “It was a pleasure to join Senator Comrie and our neighbors for this Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at JPAC. I had the privilege of honoring my predecessor, former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, with a lifetime achievement award, and it was a powerful reminder that Dr. King’s mountaintop message still calls on us to carry the work forward. Dr. King’s legacy is the foundation we stand on, as it proves our mission is possible; we will reach the mountaintop, and we will see the Promised Land.”

For more information on Senator Comrie’s community initiatives and upcoming events, residents are encouraged to contact the district office at 718-765-6359 or email info@leroycomrie.org.

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