Columbia Commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day

News Summary

Columbia prepares to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a range of events from January 16 to January 25, celebrating his legacy of equality and justice. Highlights include community celebrations, storytelling sessions, and a march to the State House, encouraging residents to come together in remembrance and reflection of Dr. King’s significant contributions to civil rights.

Columbia Honors Martin Luther King Jr. This Holiday Season

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on Monday, January 20, the vibrant city of Columbia is gearing up to pay homage to the enduring legacy of Dr. King. This day holds a special place in the hearts of many as it’s not just about taking a day off, but rather a moment to remember the significant contributions Dr. King made in the fight for equality and justice.

A Glimpse Into History

Columbia’s connection to Dr. King goes back many years. In fact, he visited the area on September 28, 1959, to attend an honorary banquet at the Township Auditorium alongside local leaders. This was a profound moment for the city, marking a significant point in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Furthermore, during his visit, he delivered an address at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, emphasizing the need for unity and action.

In a twist of fate, Dr. King was slated to speak at a rally on April 3, 1968, at Zion Baptist Church in Columbia. However, his plans changed, as he opted to remain in Memphis, Tennessee, where he ultimately faced his tragic assassination on April 4, 1968. He was just 39 years old, yet his impact has reverberated through the decades.

The Upcoming Events

To celebrate Dr. King’s remarkable life and legacy, Columbia has scheduled a series of events, inviting residents to participate and honor his memory:

• Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  Date: Thursday, January 16
  Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
  Location: Joseph F. Rice School of Law
  Theme: “Why We Can’t Wait: Liberty, Equality, and the Fight for Justice”
  This event will wrap up with a community reception, offering a chance to connect with others who share a passion for justice.
• King Day at the Dome
  Date: Monday, January 20
  Time: 8 a.m.
  Location: Zion Baptist Church, 801 Washington St.
  The NAACP South Carolina State Conference will host this gathering, starting with a prayer service followed by a march to the State House. A rally will be held at 10 a.m. for everyone to come together in solidarity.
• Storytelling Celebration at the Columbia Museum of Art
  Date: Monday, January 20
  Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
  Location: Columbia Museum of Art + Boyd Plaza
  Admission is free! Enjoy storytelling from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and line dancing hosted by Friends of African American Art and Culture. It’s a fun way for families to engage in Dr. King’s legacy through stories and dance.
• 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
  Date: Saturday, January 25
  Time: 4 p.m.
  Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2300 Greene St.
  The day will kick off with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 3:06 p.m. at the corner of Greene and Harden streets, symbolizing unity and remembrance.

City Services During the Holiday

With the holiday, city offices will be closed on January 20, but here’s what you need to know: curbside trash and recycling pick-ups will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week. For those who rely on the Go COMO transit services, please note that they will not run that day, and parking enforcement will be suspended. However, the Activity and Recreation center will remain open during its normal hours, ensuring community members can still engage in activities.

Emergency services and essential functions will not be impacted by the holiday closures, so rest assured that those services will remain operational.

Join in the Celebration

Columbia warmly invites everyone to join in as they honor this important day. Whether it’s participating in a march, enjoying stories, or simply reflecting on Dr. King’s impactful legacy, there’s something for everyone. Remember, this day is not just a day off, but a day to honor and continue the work that Dr. King stood for. Let’s come together to celebrate and remember!

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Additional Resources

• Cola Today: Ways to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Wikipedia: Martin Luther King Jr.
• Columbia Missourian: Where to Honor Martin Luther King Jr.
• Google Search: Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations
• ABC Columbia: Chappelle Memorial AME Church’s Annual MLK Day Program
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Martin Luther King Jr.
• ABC 17 News: Columbia City Offices Closed for MLK Day
• Google News: Columbia MLK Day 2025