Camden day of service honors MLK’s legacy as NJ governor-elect joins volunteers

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) — A neighborhood cleanup in Camden turned into a snow and ice removal effort Monday as volunteers gathered in the Fairview Village neighborhood to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize his historical ties to the city.

The day of service brought together residents, local officials and New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill, who joined volunteers scraping ice from sidewalks and walkways despite the winter weather.

Among the volunteers was Clinton Douglas, a Georgia Pacific employee, who said Dr. King’s legacy continues to have a personal impact.

“His efforts directly affected me, and I appreciate it. Anything I can do to give back, that’s what I’ll do,” Douglas said.

Sherrill, shoveling alongside community members, noted King’s connection to Camden during his early years.

“He lived in Camden during his years as a student at Crozier Theological Seminary from 1948 to 1951,” Sherrill said.

Local elected officials also participated.

Camden County Commissioner Colleen Bianco Bezich attended the event with her family, calling the day meaningful both personally and communally.

“It means everything as a parent just to be able to share this with my child and to be here with community members, neighbors and family to say, ‘We are a community,’” Bezich said.

Her child, Luca Bezich of Haddonfield, said, “I like shoveling snow, and I like doing stuff with my mom.”

Other volunteers echoed the importance of working together on a day dedicated to service.

Crystal Wessel of Haddon Heights said the conditions did not deter participants.

“Regardless of how cold it is or what’s going on, we just need to be out here meeting each other, talking to each other and helping each other out however we can,” Wessel said.

Before joining the cleanup, Sherrill spoke about her priorities as she prepares to be sworn into office.

“Begin right away to work to drive down costs for people across the state. Here in Camden, I’ve heard a lot of concern about housing prices as well,” Sherrill said.

She was also asked about Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in New Jersey, as tensions flared in Minneapolis between ICE agents and protesters.

“I plan to continue to enforce the immigrant trust directive, which I’ve committed to ensuring people in New Jersey know that our police force protects and serves them and we’re keeping our streets safe,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill also pledged to work with the city of Camden to bring more resources to recognize Dr. King’s history in the city.

Governor-elect Sherrill is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday in Newark.