The City of Columbia will be hosting the 38^th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration service on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 2300 Green Street, Columbia, SC 29205. Prior to the service there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Stone of Hope at 3:00 p.m.

The service will be held in celebration of national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of South Carolina, will serve as the Keynote Speaker for the event.

Dr. Donaldson currently serves as the founding Executive Director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina, where he also holds the James E. and Emily E. Clyburn Endowed Chair of Public Service and Civic Engagement and serves as an Associate Professor of History.

Through his teaching, research, and public engagement, Dr. Bobby Donaldson continues to enrich our understanding of African American history and its enduring impact. His work honors the past while inspiring future generations to pursue “justice for all.”

Participants can also expect performances from the “Pride” Ensemble Featuring H. Wade Johnson and Professor Jeffrey Lampkin and the Award Winning Francis Marion YGB Gospel Choir

A bus shuttle will be provided for the service by the City of Columbia Park and Recreation Department. The bus shuttle will run from the parking deck at 2221 Devine Street, accessible from Lee Street. The shuttles will run from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

WHAT: City of Columbia’s 38^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

WHO: Columbia City Council members, City Parks and Recreation Officials, City Officials, Partnering Sponsors

WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 2300 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205

WHEN: Monday, January 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., wreath laying ceremony at 3:00 p.m.