Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Lowcountry

News Summary

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on January 20, the Lowcountry gears up for celebrations and community events. From parades in Hilton Head and Beaufort to volunteer projects honoring Gullah culture, residents can participate in meaningful activities that reflect Dr. King’s legacy. This year’s events encourage community engagement through service projects, artistic expression, and family-friendly celebrations. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute and honor Dr. King’s message of unity and justice through various activities all weekend long.

Celebrations and Events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Lowcountry

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on January 20, the Lowcountry is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming events and celebrations honoring the life and legacy of this remarkable leader. It’s a time to reflect, to join together, and to give back to the community while enjoying some fun activities!

Holiday Schedule

Before diving into the festivities, it’s handy to know what’s open and what’s closed on this holiday. Most banks, mail centers, and administrative offices will be taking the day off on January 20. However, emergency services will still be up and running, ensuring that safety remains a priority. Keep in mind that the Beaufort County Convenience Center will also be closed on this day, but will resume normal hours starting January 21. Don’t worry about your shopping needs, as grocery stores, chain restaurants, and retail shops will be open for your convenience!

Community Service and Events

Kick off the weekend with the MLK Community Service Project on Saturday, January 18. Starting bright and early at 9 a.m., volunteers will gather to clean up historical Gullah cemeteries. It’s a meaningful way to honor the past while doing something great for the community.

Feeling artistic? Join in on the fun with a poster-making session for the MLK Parade on Sunday, January 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. This will take place at 39 Persimmon Street, Suite 201. Get creative and help spread the message of unity!

Parades and Celebrations on January 20

Mark your calendars, because January 20 is packed with events! The Hilton Head MLK Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Hilton Head High School. It’s sure to be a lively event filled with colorful floats and spirited participants celebrating Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice.

In addition, the Beaufort MLK Parade will also start at 10 a.m., and participants will gather from the Beaufort National Cemetery. It will be a wonderful sight as community members come together to honor a cherished leader.

As the day continues, the Memorial Program and Youth Day takes place at the May River Theatre starting at 12 p.m. This program will showcase local youth performances and presentations that highlight Dr. King’s influence on younger generations.

For those in Bluffton, you won’t want to miss the Bluffton MLK Day March at 2 p.m., commencing from Bluffton Town Hall and concluding with a community meal at Oyster Factory Park. What a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food while contributing to a noble cause! Don’t forget to bring food donations for “Backpack Buddies” to help local children in need.

Other Exciting Events

Even after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities, the fun continues! On January 25, you can attend the Dine & Dance Sneaker Ball happening at the Port Royal Beach House from 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy a lovely dinner, dance the night away, and try your luck at some exciting raffles—tickets are priced at $85.

If you’re looking to learn more about Bluffton, check out the Bluffton Ambassador Program offered free by the University of South Carolina-Beaufort on January 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will be held via Microsoft Teams—registration is required, so make sure to sign up on their website.

Looking for more community events? Try checking out the Lowcountry Calendar dedicated to events in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. There’s always something happening in our vibrant community!

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, whether you’re volunteering, marching, or enjoying a parade, let’s all take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s remarkable legacy and work together toward making our communities better for everyone.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Beaufort County Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Events and Closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Beaufort County

Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today
• Island Packet
• Post and Courier
• News Break
• Your Island News
• Wikipedia: Martin Luther King Jr.
• Google Search: Martin Luther King Jr. Day events Lowcountry
• Google Scholar: Martin Luther King Jr. events
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Martin Luther King Jr.
• Google News: Lowcountry community events