Charleston’s 53rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The YWCA Greater Charleston will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Monday, January 20th to celebrate and honor Dr. King’s legacy.

The parade is set to begin at 9 a.m. starting at Burke High School and ending at Mother Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.

The Charleston Police Department announced road closures in the area for the duration of the parade. Roadways are expected to fully reopen by 12 p.m.

Executive Director LaVanda Brown stated that this year’s theme, “Until Justice Just Is,” represents a national initiative of the YWCA, signifying that justice should be the standard.

Organizers say a variety of bands, churches, choirs, businesses, organizations, and many familiar faces will be participating in the parade for all attendees to enjoy.

“It is the one opportunity regardless of age, income status, sponsorship level – every single person in the community can take advantage of the parade,” said Brown.

Dr. Tamara Butler will serve as the Parade Marshal for this year’s MLK parade. She is the Executive Director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture and the Associate Dean of Strategic Planning and Community Engagement at the College of Charleston Libraries.

According to the YWCA, Charleston was one of the first cities to hold a national tribute to Dr. King of this kind, having its first MLK celebration in 1972.

“The parade is a celebration, it is a celebration of the diversity that this community represents, and it’s a celebration of us coming into a new year and really making a focus on Dr. King’s legacy and history,” said Brown.

Not able to attend in person? The parade will air live on the Lowcountry CW from 10 a.m. until noon, and it will be streamed live on counton2.com.