Columbia, South Carolina – The City of Columbia is preparing to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day with its 38th annual commemoration service, continuing a long-standing tradition of reflection, remembrance, and community gathering. The event will happen on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Martin Luther King Jr. Park on Greene Street in Columbia.
The Stone of Hope will host a wreath-laying ceremony at 3:00 p.m., which will kick off the day’s events. This tribute will celebrate Dr. King’s legacy before the main event starts.
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At 4:00 p.m., there will be an official memorial service. City leaders, residents, and partner groups are anticipated to come together to honor the national holiday.
Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina and an esteemed historian, will be the main speaker. Dr. Donaldson is the university’s first executive director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research and the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowed Chair in Public Service and Civic Engagement.
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His academic and public work has been about African American history and civic involvement, linking battles from the past to current cries for justice and equality.
Along with the keynote speech, there will be musical performances that fit the mood of the event. The “Pride” Ensemble, which includes H. Wade Johnson and Professor Jeffrey Lampkin, and the award-winning Francis Marion YGB Gospel Choir will both perform. The songs chosen are meant to go along with the themes of unity, contemplation, and hope that are important to the annual event.
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The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will offer a free bus shuttle service to help people get to and from the event. There will be shuttles running between the parking garage at 2221 Devine Street, which is easy to get to from Lee Street, and the park site.
The event will run from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., so people can come to both the wreath-laying ceremony and the main program.
As Columbia continues its yearly tradition of celebrating the life, work, and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., city council members, parks and recreation officials, and other municipal leaders are scheduled to be there, along with community partners and residents.
