MLK CELEBRATION | CHARLESTON, SC - YWCA GREATER CHARLESTON

WE'RE ELIMINATING RACISM
with our annual MLK Celebration

Our inaugural MLK Celebration was one of the first national tributes of its kind. First held on January 15, 1972, this regional event has grown to encompass 10 days each January and is the largest MLK celebration in South Carolina.

Charleston's support for this tribute humbles us. Each year the 10-day event attracts an estimated 30,000 celebrants from across the state. On MLK Day, an estimated 3,000 people cheer on more than 100 bands, marchers, floats, and groups (in 2019, there were nearly 200) as the MLK Parade is televised live on the local news. Along with the mayor of Charleston, nearly 700 community and business leaders and individuals attend the MLK Business and Professional Breakfast each year.

SEE THE 2019 MLK PROGRAM

2019 MLK Celebration photos

MLK Area Worship Services | 3 or 5 PM | Sunday, January 13
MLK Racial Equity Institute | 9 AM - 5 PM | Thursday - Friday, January 17 - 18 (click to see the photos)
MLK Youth Poetry Slam | 2 PM | Saturday, January 19, Charleston downtown library (see the video & pics)
MLK Ecumenical Service | 4 PM | Sunday, January 20, Morris Street Baptist (click to see the photos)
MLK Parade | 10:30 AM | Monday, January 21, downtown Charleston (click to see the photos)
MLK Breakfast | 7 AM | Tuesday, January 22, Charleston Gaillard Center (click to see the photos)

How you can help

If you own or lead an organization, please sponsor next year's MLK Celebration or advertise in the 2020 MLK program! This makes a huge difference in our fight to eliminate racism. There are a variety of sponsorship levels to choose from. We are grateful to our 2019 MLK Celebration sponsors!

If you're an individual, please attend one or more of our MLK events (stay tuned to this page for our 2020 MLK Celebration schedule) — and invite your friends!

We welcome volunteers who pitch in to help this enormous event run smoothly! Let us know if you're interested here.