Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day– a.k.a. MLK Day. It’s a day to recognize a man who risked his life to see his children live in a nation built on equality.
Here’s what you need to know about today:
- In 1979, Coretta King (widow of MLK) led the charge in honoring her husband’s memory by petitioning for a national holiday to be created in his name. She testified before a joint hearing of Congress and organized a nationwide lobby to support the King-holiday bill, but the bill was defeated in the House by just five votes.
- Following Coretta’s persistence to approve the national holiday, prominent proponent Stevie Wonder released the song “Happy Birthday” (which became a rallying cry) in 1980.
- The national holiday was officially created when the bill passed in 1983 – 15 years after his assassination.
- The holiday began being observed in 1986 – three years after the passing of said bill. This makes 2020 the 34th year of celebrating the holiday.
- In 2000, S.C. was the last state to sign the bill recognizing MLK day as a paid holiday – the same year the Confederate flag was moved from atop the State House to the grounds out front.
- The first celebrations – held across the country on Jan. 20, 1986 – consisted of marches, candlelight vigils, concerts, readings, church services + teach-ins.
- MLK Day is always on the third Monday of January (in celebration of MLK Jr.’s birthday – Jan. 15).
- Since 1994, MLK Day has been observed as a national day of service – a.k.a. a day spent volunteering, giving back + donating to the community.
- 2020 marks the 52nd anniversary of King’s assassination.
Want to celebrate here in Columbia? See below for a list of events + service opportunities going on today.
Here are a few ways to honor MLK Jr.’s memory locally:
Columbia Urban League’s Keeping the Legacy Alive Breakfast | 8 a.m. | Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia | Free | UofSC President Bob Caslen will be the keynote speaker.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich-Making Competition | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | UofSC Russell House Ballroom | Free | Take part in the annual competition; all sandwiches are donated to local food assistance organizations.
King Day at the Dome | 10:15 a.m.-12 p.m. | S.C. Statehouse | Free | Prayer service and march line-up at Zion Baptist Church prior to the event.
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Worship Service | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Chappelle Memorial AME Church, 1101 Pine St. | Free
32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration | 4-5:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 2300 Greene St. | Dr. Bobby Donaldson, history professor + the director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at UofSC will be the keynote speaker.
