Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. In The Carolinas

The Nation, and South Carolina, is honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the observance of his 83rd birthday Monday.   Martin Luther King, Jr. day is a federal holiday and is observed on the third Monday of January.

Hundreds of people marched outside the state capitol to honor the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and protest the state's voter identification law.

The U.S. Justice Department has rejected the law. The Obama administration said it didn't pass muster under the 1965 voting rights act, which outlawed discriminatory practices that prevented blacks from voting.

On Monday, marchers outside the statehouse in Columbia carried signs that equated the voter ID law with a poll tax. The law had so far been the focus of the day.

William Barber is the president of the North Carolina NAACP. He said this was a critical time to make sure hard-fought voting rights are not lost. He told those at the rally that they "are here to stand up, not to back down."

Wofford College students also gathered to celebrate Dr. King with a day of service.

Monday morning, students got together at Benjamin Johnson Arena to hear guest speakers.  Then, the students split up to go work on various projects in the community.

President Barack Obama and his family honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.

The first family plans to participate in a community service project in Washington to honor the memory of the slain civil rights leader.

Later, President and first lady Michele Obama will travel to the Kennedy Center for the Let Freedom Ring celebration in honor of King.

Local Events Honoring Dr. King:

Wofford College

Wofford celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with several events planned on campus as well as being involved in local community events. Unity Celebration will be held on Monday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium the Featured speaker is Angela Davis a social equality activist and author. Music will be provided by the Sounds of Diversity Choir and Orchestra.

MLK Dream Weekend Continues

Dreams In Action event being held at Greenville High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event will feature workshops, entertainment, and general assembly’s all focused on helping individuals take action on their dreams.

To read more click here.

Clemson University

In Clemson for the MLK Day of Service will be held on Monday, Jan. 16. Hundreds of students, faculty and staff will use the holiday to help others around the community. From 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., volunteers will help out at various agencies, such as the Animal Rescue Fund, Clemson Child Development Center, Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, Helping Hands, Foothills YMCA, Collins Children’s Home, Clemson Community Care and Sterling House.

As part of the Day of Service, The Blood Connection will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hendrix Student Center.

City of Greer

Record crowds are expected to turn out for Greer’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Jan. 16.
The 10th annual luncheon will start 11:30 a.m. at Greer City Hall, and tickets are already selling fast, said Councilman Wayne Griffin, who helped organize the event. The event will also include performances from Sammy Dotson of the Phillis Wheatley Repertory Theatre followed by keynote speaker state Rep. Chandra Dillard of Greenville.
Tickets are $5 each and available on a first-come, first-service basis at the city of Greer’s Parks and Recreation office, 446 Pennsylvania Ave. A number of tickets are also available through Griffin.
Call Greer recreation at 864-848-2190.

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina will commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of special events for the community and a call to service for students, faculty and staff.
On Monday, USC students, faculty and staff will participate in a Day of Service to honor King’s legacy. Here are a few coverage opportunities for media, with phone numbers to call for more information on Monday:
Winter Shelter - Volunteers will be preparing sandwiches for the hungry and will be cleaning and organizing the kitchen and pantry at the Columbia shelter from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Contact: Diane Westerkam at (803) 530-4369.

Greenville

Martin Luther King Jr. 18th Annual Unity Breakfast – 9:00 AM
Monday January 16, 2011 Sterling Community Center
113 Minus Street, Greenville, S. C. 29601
Martin Luther King Jr. Program begins at 10:00 AM
Soccer Clinic & Games begin at 11:00 AM
Boys & Girls Ages 8 & Up
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Soccer Field
Located at 424 Westfield Street, Greenville SC, 29601
Pizza Party following soccer activities at Sterling Community Center
CONTACT: hiramspringle519@gmail.com or 864-277-4833
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC