Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we’re reflecting on his presence in Columbia and sharing ways you can honor his life and legacy.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Columbia connections

On September 28, 1959, Dr. King, among other local leaders, attended an honorary banquet at the Township Auditorium. He continued his stay in Columbia and while in town delivered an address at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at the Township.

On April 3, 1968, Dr. King was scheduled to appear at a rally at Zion Baptist Church on Washington Street in Columbia. While he wasn’t expected to make a formal address, he was expected to speak. This appearance was canceled, and he stayed in Memphis, Tennessee, for further work there. On April 4, King was assassinated at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis at the age of 39.

Honor Dr. King's life + legacy by attending several local events around town.

Monday, Jan. 19

King Day at the Dome | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Zion Baptist Church + SC State House grounds | Free | The march from 801 Washington St. to the State House steps off at 9:45 a.m., followed by speakers at the capitol.

MLK Day Celebration | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum | Free with admission | Try this day of engaging activities honoring Dr. King’s message of equality, kindness, and community.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 12-5 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Special programming from the Friends of African American Art & Culture will take place in Boyd Plaza.

AARP SC Rosenwald Film Screening | 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. | Nickelodeon Theatre | Free with registration

AARP SC Selma Film Screening | 1:15-3:30 p.m. | Nickelodeon Theatre | Free with registration

AARP SC Hidden Figures Film Screening | 1:45-4 p.m. | Nickelodeon Theatre | Free with registration