What to do for MLK day in Columbia, SC: AARP South Carolina hosts free Civil Rights film series
January 5, 2026
With dozens of events taking place across Columbia for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, AARP South Carolina is offering an indoor, accessible way for residents to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the many people who have advanced civil rights in the United States. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, AARP South Carolina will host a free three-film series at the Nickelodeon Theater on Main Street in downtown Columbia.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect on the ongoing struggle for justice, equality and opportunity for all. It invites people of every generation to learn, remember and recommit to building stronger, more inclusive communities. Through this film series, AARP South Carolina aims to provide an engaging, informative experience that highlights historic and often untold stories from the civil rights era and beyond.
“As Columbia comes together in many different ways to honor Dr. King, we wanted to offer an indoor, seated and accessible event that brings people together to learn and reflect,” said Charmaine Fuller-Cooper, State Director, AARP South Carolina. “These films show how individuals, communities and everyday people helped move our country closer to the ideals Dr. King championed.”
All three films will be shown on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Nickelodeon Theater on Main Street in Columbia:
- Rosenwald – 11:00 a.m.
- Selma – 1:15 p.m.
- Hidden Figures – 1:45 p.m.
Each screening is free, but registration is required. Anyone 18 and older may attend, and AARP membership is not required. Seating is first-come, first-served, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
For more information and to register, visit: Honor MLK Day in Columbia, SC: Three Powerful Films, One Inspiring Day
Rosenwald (11:00 a.m.)
This documentary explores the story of Julius Rosenwald, a business leader and philanthropist who partnered with Black communities across the rural South to help build thousands of schools during the Jim Crow era. Rosenwald highlights the power of community leadership, philanthropy and education in expanding opportunity and shaping generations of students whose lives influenced the civil rights movement.
Selma (1:15 p.m.)
Selma dramatizes the 1965 voting rights campaign and the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and local activists. The film underscores the courage, sacrifice and determination of the people who risked their lives to secure the right to vote, and invites viewers to reflect on the continued importance of civic participation and equal access to the ballot.
Hidden Figures (1:45 p.m.)
Based on true events, Hidden Figures follows three Black women mathematicians at NASA whose calculations were critical to America’s early space missions. The film shines a light on talent, perseverance and excellence in the face of segregation and workplace discrimination, offering an inspiring look at how their contributions helped change history.
The Nickelodeon Theater is located on Main Street in downtown Columbia and is a convenient, indoor venue for those looking to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day through film and reflection. Limited street and garage parking are available nearby. Individuals who need accommodations are encouraged to contact AARP South Carolina in advance at 877-926-8300 or [email protected].
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about or aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
