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 125 bands, marchers, floats, and groups 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. Last year, MLK Celebration attendees included 152 church leaders and 24 members of the media, along with 60 sponsors supporting the elimination of racism across all industries.

2019 MLK Celebration schedule

Please mark your calendar for these 47th Annual MLK Celebration dates...

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

How you can help

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

If you're an individual, please attend one or more of our MLK events (see the 2019 MLK Celebration schedule above) — 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.