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.