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 nearly 200 bands, marchers, floats, and groups as the MLK Parade is televised live on the news. Along with the mayor of Charleston, nearly 700 community and business leaders attend the MLK Business and Professional Breakfast each year.

2020 MLK Celebration schedule & links to photos

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
MLK Youth Poetry Slam | 2 - 4 PM | Saturday, January 18, downtown library (see the photos!)
MLK Ecumenical Service | 4 PM | Sunday, January 19, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist (see photos!)
MLK Parade | 10 AM | Monday, January 20, downtown Charleston (see the photos!)
MLK Commemorative Concert | 5 PM | Monday, Jan 20, First Baptist Church of James Island
MLK Breakfast | 7:30 AM | Tuesday, January 21, Charleston Gaillard Center (see the photos!)
MLK Youth Summit | 9 AM | Tuesday, January 21, Charleston Gaillard Center

How you can help

If you own or lead an organization, please contact John to sponsor the 2021 MLK Celebration or advertise in the 2021 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 2020 MLK Celebration sponsors!

If you're an individual, please attend one or more of our MLK events — and invite your friends! Stay tuned to this page for all the most up-to-date schedule information.

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