Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Charleston

We’ve rounded up several ways to spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Holy City.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. addresses a crowd to encourage voter participation in Kingstree, SC on May 8, 1966. | Photo courtesy of The State Newspaper Photograph Archive at Richland Library.

Today, Jan. 20, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday on the third Monday of January. The theme for this year is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365,” according to The King Centera nonprofit founded by MLK’s wife, Coretta Scott King, to continue Dr. King’s legacy.

Here’s a look at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ties to the Palmetto State — keep reading for ways to honor his legacy here in the Holy City.

Parades

  • MLK Day Parade | Monday, Jan. 20 | 9 a.m.
    The downtown parade route will run from Burke High School to Mother Emanuel AME Church. The event will also be televised live and streamed online on WCBD News 2.
  • North Charleston MLK Day Parade | Monday, Jan. 20 | 3 p.m.
    The second annual North Charleston parade will start at 2950 Carner Ave. and will end at 3725 Rivers Ave.
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The International African American Museum is located at 14 Wharfside St.

Photo by @mattwoolseysc

Reflect

  • IAAM King: A Day of Service | Monday, Jan. 20 | 12 –5 p.m
    Experience musical performances, shop local vendors + food trucks, and youth-friendly activities that focus on unity.
  • Free admission | Regular museum hours 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
    Explore the museum’s exhibitions for free and learn about stories of resilience.

Volunteer

If you have time to dedicate to our community, here are a few local volunteer opportunities:

  • Habitat for Humanity | Build homes for the community.
  • Trident United Way | Assist its mission of fostering education, financial stability, and health in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.

Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out more local volunteer opportunities.

Events
Explore more than a dozen cultural sites in Charleston’s Museum Mile.
The week-long celebration will include activities and events to foster connections and celebrate tech.
This event will celebrate the legacy of MLK Jr. ahead of his upcoming holiday.
Pup Bowl VIII will take place at the Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, and is sure to be a wagging good time.
Several restaurants offer special menus for Restaurant Week.
The Holy City is preparing for a jam-packed year. There are plenty more, but we’ve compiled 25 of the biggest Charleston events to attend this year — don’t miss them.