MLK CELEBRATION

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.

2020 MLK Celebration schedule

MLK Area Worship Service: Edisto area | Mt Olive Missionary Baptist | 3 PM | Sunday, January 12
MLK Area Worship Service: Hollywood area | St. Luke AME | 3 PM | Sunday, January 12
MLK Area Worship Service: North Charleston | New Hope Missionary Baptist | 4 PM | Sunday, January 12
MLK Area Worship Service: West Ashley | St. Peters Church | 4 PM | Sunday, January 12
MLK Area Worship Service: James Island | James Island Presbyterian | 5 PM | Sunday, January 12
MLK Racial Equity Institute | 9 AM - 5 PM | Thursday - Friday, January 16 - 17 (sold out)
MLK Youth Poetry Slam | 2 - 4 PM | Saturday, January 18, downtown library (register)
MLK Ecumenical Service | 4 PM | Sunday, January 19, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
MLK Parade | 10 AM | Monday, January 20, downtown Charleston (details)
MLK Commemorative Concert | 5 PM | Monday, Jan 20, First Baptist Church of James Island (details)
MLK Breakfast | 7:30 AM | Tuesday, January 21, Charleston Gaillard Center (details)
MLK Youth Summit | 9 AM | Tuesday, January 21, Charleston Gaillard Center

Participate in the 2020 MLK Celebration!

We're now accepting parade registrations, sponsorships, and ad reservations:

SPONSOR THE 2020 MLK CELEBRATION!

reserve an ad in the 2020 mlk program

2019 MLK Celebration photos & videos

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 the 2020 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 — and invite your friends! Now you can register to march in the 2020 MLK Parade

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

SEE THE 2019 MLK PROGRAM