News Summary
From January 15 to January 20, 2025, Spartanburg will host the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week, featuring events like the ‘Walk As One’ and a community breakfast. Activities aim to honor Dr. King’s legacy and promote community engagement through various educational and service opportunities.
Spartanburg Set to Shine for 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week
This January, the city of Spartanburg is gearing up for a vibrant and heartwarming celebration as it hosts the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week. From January 15 to January 20, 2025, the community will come together for a series of engaging and uplifting events designed to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Mark Your Calendar for Unity Week Events
The week kicks off with a bang, and everyone is excited to participate! On Saturday, January 18, the highlight of the schedule is the Walk As One event, starting at 9 a.m. from the Cleveland Park Event Center. Following the walk, attendees will enjoy some delicious refreshments and plenty of fun activities! It’s a great opportunity to unite with neighbors and celebrate the spirit of community.
But that’s not all! On Friday, January 17, Spartans can attend the MLK Community Breakfast at 9 a.m. This special gathering at Furman University showcases social justice advocate L. Joy Williams as the featured speaker. Students can join for free, though registration closed on January 14, so hopefully, everyone got signed up in time!
Then, on Sunday, January 19, youth in the area will want to check out the Dream Big Wellness, Literacy, and Tech Summit for Youth at the Phyllis Wheatley Center starting at 11 a.m. This event is aimed at helping young people thrive through wellness activities, literacy advancements, and technology initiatives—all at no cost!
Remembering Dr. King on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Of course, no Unity Week would be complete without a heartfelt observance on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on January 20 this year, coinciding with Inauguration Day. This important day will see nonessential government offices, public schools, and the United States Postal Service closed to allow everyone to partake in the celebrations.
One notable event on this day is the Dream Day – MLK Day of Service, encouraging community members to come together and give back. Volunteers can join in neighborhood cleanups happening at the Westside Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to noon. It’s a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the power of service, honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Unity Events Continue in Charleston
Meanwhile, over in Charleston, excitement is also brewing for a series of events culminating in a festive parade on January 20. The YWCA Greater Charleston is leading the charge with a slate of activities. On January 16, make plans to attend the MLK Business and Professional Breakfast Summit at the Gaillard Center, where Timothy Ascue will receive the esteemed Joseph P. Riley Jr. Vision Award.
Then on January 19, get ready for the MLK Ecumenical Service at 4 p.m. at Charity Missionary Baptist Church, where Arthur McFarland will be honored with the Harvey Gantt Triumph Award.
Finally, the excited crowd can gear up for the big parade beginning at Burke High School at 9 a.m. on January 20. Expect fun, laughter, and a dynamic array of marching bands, colorful floats, and energetic dance groups, all under this year’s theme of “Until Justice Just IS.”
More Ways to Get Involved
The celebrations this year don’t just focus solely on honoring Dr. King. They also emphasize vital discussion topics like child poverty and homelessness. Look out for kindness initiatives and various volunteer opportunities organized by the United Way of the Piedmont, giving everyone a chance to contribute to the community.
With a spirit of unity, leadership, and an emphasis on education and culture, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week events promise to inspire everyone involved. Spartanburg and Charleston invite you to join the celebration in remembering Dr. King’s impactful contributions and ensuring his dream continues to thrive in our communities.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Martin Luther King Jr.
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events
- Kidding Around Greenville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Martin Luther King Jr.
- Upstate News
- Google News: Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week 2025
