Local Events + Happenings

MLK Unity Celebration

Monday, January 21 | 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium

THE MLK UNITY CELEBRATION started more than a decade ago with a small group of people gathered around the flagpole outside of City Hall reflecting on the words and purpose of Dr. King’s life. Today, this Celebration has grown to more than 3,000 strong with an annual gathering at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium and has included such notable keynote speakers as James Earl Jones, Ted Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mae Jemison, Morris Dees, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Miss America 2004, Erica Dunlap.

ABOUT THE CELEBRATION: The City’s Department of Community Services and the Human Relations Commission collaborate with other community organizations to coordinate the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week Celebration. The celebration includes music from the Sounds of Diversity Choir, the MLK Awards for Humanitarian Excellence and announcement of the poster contest winners held throughout all Spartanburg County Schools.

Other events include:

WALK AS ONE: The Department of Community Services created Walk As One in 2002 as a way to demonstrate how the strength of any community is easily measured by the diversity of the members that claim it as their own. The City remains strong in fostering community pride, mindful of the unique and wonderful individuals that are the foundation. This walk celebrates our shared differences and renews our shared sense of belonging. We encourage all to come out and as a city, join hands and walk as one.

DAY OF SERVICE: The City and United Way’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) have partnered to help further Dr. King’s legacy by serving others every day, as well as on the national King Holiday in January. This national day of service is in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King who taught us that “Everybody Can Be Great, Because Everybody Can Serve.” Celebrate January 21 as it was intended - not a day off, but a day on - a day committed to community volunteer service.

MLK Unity Poster Sponsorship Information Choir Registration Information