Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s leadership during the African-American freedom struggle during the civil rights movement was centered around love and nonviolent protest.

His fervent quest for racial equality earned him Time’s 1963 Person of the Year, a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and countless other awards and recognitions. He is the first African American and first nonpresident to have a memorial on the National Mall, which opened in 2011.

King has been honored around the time of his birthday, Jan. 15, on the third Monday in January since 1986.

Celebrate his legacy here in the Lowcountry with these events:

Today Panel discussion
What: MLK Panel Discussion: Remembering the Civil Rights Movement from the Black and Jewish Perspective, Part II. Panel moderator is Dr. Andrew HaLevi, program director of Septima P. Clark Academy. Panelists are Joan Warshauer Fox, civic leader; Armand Derfner, civil rights attorney; Nelson B. Rivers III, pastor and civil rights leader; Liz Alston educator and historian; and Arthur C. McFarland, attorney.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Brith Sholom Beth Israel, 182 Rutledge Ave.

Cost: Free

More Info: 577-6599 or 722-1644 or ywca-charlestonsc.org.

Sing-in
What: Uned!ted presents “Songs of Freedom: Bringing the Sounds of the Civil Rights Era to Life,” featuring Laura Ball, Hazel Ketchum, Ann Caldwell, Lindsay Holler and guest students from Charleston Collegiate School

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street

Cost: $20 general admission; $10 student (day of show only)

More Info: brownpapertickets.com or uneditedartists.com

Jan. 19 MLK tribute
WHAT: CSO Gospel Choir’s program “This Little Light of Mine: I’m Gonna Let it Shine,” an MLK tribute featuring the CSO Spiritual Ensemble

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Royal Missionary Baptist Church, 4761 Luella Avenue, North Charleston

COST: Free

MORE INFO: Ticket required for entry, available at the church and North Charleston City Hall (Cultural Arts Department)

Jan. 21 Parade
What: MLK Federal Holiday Parade. Parade Marshal is Dr. Nancy McGinley, superintendent of Charleston County School District. More than 150 parade units including marching bands, civic leaders, clubs, churches and businesses.

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Starts at Burke High School, 244 President St. Parade proceeds east on Fishburne Street to Ashley Avenue; north on Ashley Avenue to Sumter Street; east on Sumter to King Street; south on King Street to Marion Square downtown.

More Info: 722-1644 or ywca-charlestonsc.org

Youth event
What: Youth Speak Out

When: 12:30 p.m.

Where: YWCA, 106 Coming Street

Who: Sponsored by Jack & Jill of America Inc. Charleston Chapter and YWCA Greater Charleston

Cost: Free

More Info: 722-1644 or ywca-charlestonsc.org

Jan. 27 Finale
What: MLK Tri-County Ecumenical Service Celebration Finale. U.S. congressman John Lewis of Georgia is keynote speaker. Event also features the presentation of the Harvey Gantt Triumph Award to Lewis and Donna S. Dewitt. The Rev. Deborah Carter of Graham AME church will preside. Music by the East Cooper Interdenominational Mass Choir.

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Morris Street Baptist Church, 25 Morris St.

Cost: Free

More Info: 722-1644 or ywca-charlestonsc.org