MLK Day Events

Here are a few of the events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. This is not intended to be a complete listing.

MLK Spoken Word Celebration | Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Spoken Word poets from across the Carolinas will “lift up the spirit” of Martin Luther King by sharing their poetry. The event at The Radio Room, 110 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, will showcase both veteran and emerging poets, and offer an open mic opportunity for audience members. Tickets are available online.

MLK Day of Service | Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to noon

Sponsored by the United Way, the Greenville Racial Equity and Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission will host a King Day Forum focusing on income and wealth through the lens of housing and economic justice in Greenville County. The event is free but registration is required. Hear more from REEM Executive Director Stacey Mills.

Clemson University MLK Commemorative Celebration | Jan 16-Jan 18

To honor Dr. King’s commitment to service, Clemson has a “variety of opportunities to learn, serve, and engage with the activities to help us remember the importance of King’s teachings about respecting human rights, understanding social justice, and doing what’s right.” The celebration includes a day of service for students on Monday, a keynote address on Tuesday evening from Yolanda Renee King, Dr. King’s granddaughter, and an oratorical competition on Wednesday. For more information, contact the Gantt Multicultural Center at 864-656-7625.

MLK Film and Discussion | Jan. 19, 6 p.m.

A free showing of the film King in The Wilderness will be held at the Gunter Theatre on the Peace Center campus downtown. The film chronicles the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life, revealing new perspectives on a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. There will be a post-film discussion led by Furman University Professors Dr. Steven O'Neill (History) and Dr. Holly Pinheiro, Jr. (African American History).