Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
Multiple events throughout the Lowcountry are set to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. this Monday. Here’s a rundown of the key celebrations:
- IAAM KING: An MLK Day Celebration at the International African American Museum (IAAM): This event offers free admission to the museum from noon to 5 p.m., featuring local vendors, food trucks, music, games, and children’s activities. Sponsored by TD Bank and Boeing, registration for museum access is required and can be done on the IAAM website.
- MLK Day Parade in Downtown Charleston: Organized by the YWCA, the parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. from Burke High School and ends at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Expect bands, dancers, floats, and more. Traffic will be affected on several streets including Fishburne St., Ashley Ave., Sumter St., King St., and Calhoun St. from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- North Charleston Martin Luther King Day Parade: Hosted by the Positive Vibes Ronjanae Smith Center, this parade starts at 3 p.m. at the center on Reynolds Avenue, proceeding up Rivers Avenue for a mile, culminating in a rally at 3517 Rivers Ave (the former K-Mart parking lot) to celebrate Dr. King’s life.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Extravaganza: Taking place at the Community Resource Center North Charleston, this event starts at 11 a.m. and will feature appearances by Mayor Reggie Burgess, Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, and Rep. Wendell Gilliard. It includes giveaways of baby essentials, groceries, school supplies, and hygiene items.
- Racial Justice Network MLK Black History Program: Scheduled for 5 p.m. at the International Longshoreman Hall (ILA Local 1422) on Morrison Drive in Charleston, this program will introduce the “Thou Shall Not Kill” initiative, focusing on educating youth about the consequences of violence, drug use, and mental health. The event will also pay tribute to families affected by gun violence and honor the memory of George Stinney Jr.
- Moncks Corner MLK Day Parade: Organized by the Berkeley County Progressive League, this parade starts at noon on Main Street at Delta Pharmacy Way, proceeding to Stag Street. Road closures and traffic delays are expected as the parade progresses.
- King Day at the Dome – Columbia: Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be the keynote speaker at this annual event organized by the South Carolina State Conference
of the NAACP. The event is a significant gathering that honors Dr. King’s legacy, bringing together community members and leaders to celebrate his life and message.
