Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a Jan. 15 holiday just around the corner, and this year with the recently opened International African American Museum (IAAM), Charleston boasts more events than ever before.
The IAAM will host its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, IAAM King: An MLK Day Celebration, on Jan. 15. The event takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is sold out, but a limited number of tickets will be available the day of the event on a first come, first served basis.
Historian Brandon Reid, who oversees public records and special projects at the museum, told the Charleston City Paper that the event will include access to the West Yard, which offers an African ancestors memorial garden. He added the space will include a vendor showcase, food trucks and activities for adults and children.
Reid noted he was particularly excited about the storytelling aspect of the day — which is already a key aspect of the museum’s programming.
“Youth and family participants will be able to come in and create story stones really talking about understanding and exploring African American history but tying that to MLK as well.”
Reid said museum staff members hope the event will attract more visitors to the building, which opened in June 2023. The IAAM has already seen 80,000 guests, he added, but education is an ongoing goal.
“Having this program on MLK Day allows us not only to move towards our mission, but also finding a really unique and creative way to invite our communities. Many of those who have not had the opportunity to come out to visit the museum yet also get a chance to explore the museum.”
Also across the area
Other events on Jan. 15 during MLK Day include:
The 52nd annual MLK Day Parade. The downtown parade, hosted by the YWCA of Greater Charleston, features dancers, cars and floats. Though it doesn’t start until 10:30 a.m., participants can begin lining up two hours beforehand at Burke High School, the starting location. The parade is one of Charleston’s oldest annual gatherings, and the city was among the first to host such an event. It concludes at Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street. Registration has closed; anyone can watch free of charge.
MLK Day at Children’s Museum of The Lowcountry. Children can listen to stories about the civil rights movement between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and participate in arts and crafts for the entire day. Free with admission to the museum.
Gullah/Geechee MLK Day Concert and Fish Fry. Be among the first to see the new mural at the Yenna Chiren House, the Gullah/Geechee cultural learning center, at its 1 p.m. opening ceremony. Enjoy delicious classic Gullah/Geechee cuisine, support cultural performances and learn about traditional styles of movement and dance. 1 p.m to 3 p.m. Yenna Chiren House, 2035 Forest Ave, North Charleston. Tickets are $10 for ages 5-13, $15 for ages 14-17, $20 for 18 and older. A portion of the sales benefit Gullah/Geechee Angel Network.
North Charleston MLK Day Parade. The first North Charleston MLK day parade is hosted by Positive Vibes and other gun violence prevention affiliates. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. at the intersection of Rivers and Reynolds avenues. The parade will conclude with a rally from motivational youth speakers, community speakers, and civil rights-themed music.
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