Columbia Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, is set to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20, 2025, with diverse events throughout the week. Festivities include the House Music MLK Weekend, an art showcase at the Columbia Museum of Art, a 5K fitness walk/run, and various community service activities. Additional events like candlelight marches and a diversity breakfast invite all to reflect and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, while promoting community spirit.

Columbia Gears Up for an Exciting Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in 2025!

Columbia, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20, 2025. This year’s events promise to bring the community together in a series of free public festivities that cater to all ages and interests.

Kick Off the Weekend with House Music!

Mark your calendars for an electrifying weekend of rhythm and dance during the House Music MLK Weekend 2025, taking place from January 17-19! Held at the VFW Post 641 on 534 S. Beltline Blvd., this three-day event will feature some of South Carolina’s finest DJs, including Naeem Johnson, Brian Pope, Kelly Kel, Paul Howard, and Katt in the Hat. The fun kicks off each night at 5 p.m. and goes until midnight. Don’t forget to bring your maracas, cowbells, and a sprinkle of baby powder for a complete nightlife experience, although seating is limited!

Celebrate with Art and Music

On Saturday, January 18, the Columbia Museum of Art opens its doors for FAAAC Presents: The Movement from 7 to 10 p.m.. Attendees can treat themselves to an evening filled with spoken word performances, neo-soul, and R&B by talented artists like She Pharaoh, Crystal Doomes, and Jennifer Bartell Boykin. Tickets are priced at $55 for the public and $35 for FAAAC members, and light snacks will be available alongside a cash bar.

Run, Walk, or Compete for a Cause!

Looking for a more active way to celebrate? Join the MLK Celebration 5K Fitness Walk/Run on January 18 at 9 a.m. The family-friendly event kicks off at MLK Park, located at 2300 Greene St., weaving through the vibrant Five Points/Shandon neighborhood. Registration is available at Strictly Running, so grab your sneakers and get ready to move!

If you’re in the mood for friendly competition, you can join the MLK Day of Service 2025—a PB&J sandwich-making contest! This event also takes place on January 18 at Davis Field next to the Russell House starting at 9 a.m.. Bring your favorite ingredients to help create sandwiches for local hunger-relief organizations until supplies run out.

Family Fun and Community Spirit

The festivities continue on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a variety of activities. At noon, enjoy Martin Luther King Jr. Day at CMA. The Columbia Museum of Art will offer free admission, along with special programming featuring storytelling and line dancing for all to enjoy.

Join the March for Justice

Make your way to the King Day at the Dome event beginning with an 8 a.m. prayer service at the Zion Baptist Church. At 10 a.m., join a rally at the South Carolina State House, featuring a keynote address from Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison. For safety, remember to bring only clear bags.

Also on January 20, Chappell Memorial African American Methodist Episcopal Church will host MLK Day: Where Do We Go from Here? at 10 a.m., with insights from Reverend and South Carolina Senator Darrell Jackson.

Reflect and Serve

As the whirlwind of activities continues, mark your calendar for the City of Columbia Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Service on January 25, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony at 3:06 p.m. and a service at 4 p.m.. Columbia College President Dr. John H. Dozier will deliver the keynote address, attended by city officials.

A final treat for the community is the Candlelight March and Memorial Service on January 20, set to commence at 6:30 p.m. from the Armory Sports Center to St. Luke United Methodist Church, where the evening will end with a heartfelt memorial service.

Diversity and Community Connection

As January winds down, don’t miss the Columbia Values Diversity Breakfast on January 29. From 7 to 9 a.m., be part of a morning filled with inspiring performances and presentations aimed at celebrating the rich diversity of our community at the Holiday Inn Expo Center.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Columbia invites everyone to celebrate not just the life and legacy of Dr. King, but also our shared community spirit. Whether you’re grooving to house music, running for a good cause, or participating in service activities, there’s something for everyone. Let’s come together to honor the past and build a brighter future!

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: MLK Day Events in Columbia, SC
• Columbia Tribune: Events Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy
• Post and Courier: MLK Day Statehouse Rally in Columbia
• ABC Columbia: Annual MLK Breakfast in Columbia
• Wikipedia: Martin Luther King Jr.

Author: HERE Lexington