Columbia, S.C. Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

News Summary

Columbia is set for a vibrant weekend of events leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2025. Festivities include House Music nights, an exciting performance at the Columbia Museum of Art, a family-friendly 5K walk/run, a PB&J sandwich-making competition, and meaningful discussions to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Residents are encouraged to participate in various community-focused activities that celebrate unity and service.

Columbia, S.C. Gears Up for Vibrant Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations

Columbia is getting ready for a jam-packed weekend of events leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, January 20, 2025. This special day is all about honoring the incredible legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and locals are excited to celebrate his contributions through a variety of community-focused activities.

Kick Off the Festivities with House Music!

Starting on January 17 and running through to January 19, get ready to groove the night away with the House Music MLK Weekend. This lively music event will take place at VFW Post 641 on 534 S. Beltline Blvd. from 5 p.m. to midnight each night. House Music South Carolina will be spinning tunes, so put on your dancing shoes! Don’t forget limited seating is available, and all those colorful maracas, cowbells, and yes, even baby powder are invited for some extra flair on the dance floor!

Catching Some Soul at the Columbia Museum of Art

As the weekend rolls in, make sure to mark your calendars for January 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the FAAAC Presents: The Movement at the Columbia Museum of Art. This event promises an electrifying experience with performances featuring spoken word, neo-soul, and R&B artists like She Pharaoh, Crystal Doomes, and Jennifer Bartell Boykin. And what’s a great show without some snacks and a cash bar? Tickets will set you back $55 for the public, but FAAAC members can snag them for just $35!

Get Active with a 5K Walk/Run

If you’re looking to combine celebration with some fitness, lace up those running shoes! The MLK Celebration 5K Fitness Walk/Run takes place at MLK Park on January 18 at 9 a.m.. This family-friendly walk/run will wind through the scenic Five Points/Shandon neighborhood. Don’t forget to sign up at Strictly Running, located at 2515 Devine St., and enjoy a refreshing start to the day!

Spread the Love at the PB&J Sandwich-Making Competition

Also on January 18, this year’s MLK Day of Service will feature a PB&J Sandwich-making competition at Davis Field next to the Russell House, beginning at 9:30 a.m.. Bring your donations of peanut butter, jelly, and sliced bread, and work with others to create delicious sandwiches that will go to local hunger-relief organizations. Get ready to channel your inner chef for a great cause!

A Meaningful Celebration on MLK Day

As January 20 arrives, enjoy a free day at the Columbia Museum of Art, starting at Noon. With special programming that includes a storytelling celebration and the chance to learn some fun line dancing moves, it’s a fantastic way to honor King’s legacy.

Also, kick off your morning at King Day at the Dome with a prayer service at Zion Baptist Church at 8 a.m., followed by a rally at the SC State House at 10 a.m.. It will feature renowned speakers and is hosted by the local NAACP.

Let’s Reflect

The events kick off at Chappell Memorial African American Methodist Episcopal Church with the thought-provoking discussion titled “MLK Day: Where do we go from here?” at 10 a.m..

Then, on January 25, the City of Columbia will hold its official Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Service. A wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled for 3:06 p.m., followed by the main event at 4 p.m. in MLK Park featuring local leaders and keynote speaker Dr. John H. Dozier from Columbia College.

With all these exciting activities planned, Columbia is ready to honor Martin Luther King Jr. in style! There’s something for everyone in the family, so gather your loved ones and join the fun to celebrate kindness, unity, and service!