YWCA GREATER CHARLESTON
  • ELIMINATING RACISM | PROGRAMS
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WE'RE ELIMINATING RACISM
with our annual MLK Celebration

Our inaugural MLK Celebration was one of the first national tributes of its kind. It is the largest MLK celebration in South Carolina and one of Charleston's longest running events; it pre-dates major events including Spoleto. 


2023 MLK Celebration photos & videos

  • MLK Breakfast Summit | See the photos | See the full video | See short video clips
  • MLK Ecumenical Service | See the photos | See the full service via Facebook Live  
  • MLK Day Parade | See the photos | See participant photos | See the parade on WCBD News 2


2023 MLK Celebration schedule

  • MLK Area Worship Service | 4 PM Sunday, Jan 8 | Emmanuel Baptist Church of James Island
  • MLK Breakfast Summit | 7 AM Thursday, Jan 12 | Charleston Gaillard Center 
  • MLK Ecumenical Service | 4 PM Sunday, Jan 15 | Charity Missionary Baptist Church 
  • MLK Day Parade | 10:30 AM Monday, Jan 16 | Downtown Charleston and live on WCBD News 
SEE THE CELEBRATION IN THE NEWS
SEE THE 2023 PROGRAM BOOKLET
SEE THE 2023 MLK SPONSORS
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How you can help

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​If you own or lead an organization, please contact John to sponsor the MLK Celebration! This makes a huge difference in our fight to eliminate racism. 

​If you're an individual, please consider supporting the MLK Celebration as a MLK Patron. 
​

​We welcome volunteers to serve on our MLK Celebration committees! Let us know if you're interested here. 

2023 MLK CELEBRATION
keynote speakers

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REV. DR. HERBERT L. TEMONEY

This year's MLK Ecumenical Service was keynoted by Reverend Dr. Herbert L. Temoney, presiding elder of the Santee District of the Seventh Episcopal AME Church Central South Carolina Annual Conference.

This native of Mayesville, SC previously served as presiding elder of the Wateree District, pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church in Charleston, and a volunteer chaplain with the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy organization in Charleston. He has also served as a member of the Charleston Illumination Project and as a member of the City of Charleston Mayor's Clergy Advisory Council, and today serves on the board of his alma mater, Allen University. 

Rev. Dr. Temoney holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary, and a bachelor's degree in sociology and social work from Allen University in South Carolina. He has also been awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters by Canaan Bible College for distinguished community service. 
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​

LOU W. KENNEDY

This year's MLK Breakfast Summit (formerly known as the MLK Business and Professional Breakfast) was keynoted by Lou W. Kennedy.

Ms. Kennedy is CEO and owner of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a certified woman-owned business and national leader in manufacturing opioid-free drugs for pain that produces one billion doses of life-saving medication annually, and Nephron Nitrile, a producer of American-made nitrile gloves created to help shore up America’s medical supply chain.

She is also chair of S.C. BIO, a statewide association promoting the life sciences industry, and Governor Henry McMaster’s appointee to the South Carolina Research Authority executive committee, among many other board and leadership roles.  

Among other honors, she has been named Business Leader of the Year by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and awarded South Carolina’s highest civilian honor: the Order of the Palmetto, bestowed by Governor Nikki Haley in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding service.

We need YOU

Be part of the international movement for women, girls, and people of color... right here in the Charleston, SC region
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Choose the program you want to support

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Volunteer or become a member

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Sign up for YWCA.GC news

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ADDRESS

YWCA Greater Charleston
PO Box 80935
Charleston, SC 29416
M-F 9 AM to 5 PM

PHONE

843.722.1644 o
​843.722.4992 f

​

EMAIL

email ywca.gc

  • ELIMINATING RACISM | PROGRAMS
    • MLK CELEBRATION
    • RACIAL EQUITY & INCLUSION >
      • RACIAL EQUITY & INCLUSION | IMPACT
    • STAND AGAINST RACISM
  • EMPOWERING WOMEN | PROGRAMS
    • WHAT WOMEN BRING >
      • WHAT WOMEN BRING | Ticket sales open Oct 13
    • WE 360 | FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF COLOR
    • OWN THE ROOM | PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR WOMEN
    • WOMEN'S HEALTH
    • | EMPOWERING YOUTH |
    • SHESTRONG
    • Y GIRLS CODE
  • ABOUT US
    • SEE OUR MISSION
    • SEE OUR HISTORY
    • MEET OUR STAFF
    • MEET OUR BOARD
    • SEE OUR PARTNERS >
      • SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES | Our partners and other Charleston nonprofits
  • NEWS
    • SEE US IN THE NEWS
    • VIEW OUR E.NEWSLETTERS
    • BE IN THE KNOW: SUBSCRIBE HERE
  • SUPPORT US
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
    • VOLUNTEER WITH US
    • INVEST IN YWCA USA
  • DONATE