Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Charleston

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

January 17, 2025 • 
Callie Putnam
Screen Shot 2021-01-15 at 12.19.13 PM

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 Center — a 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.
CHS_IAAM_MARCH2023

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.

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