Senator with Presidential Aspirations to Headline SC’s King Day at the Dome
King Day at the Dome is set to return for its 26th year at the South Carolina Statehouse. This significant event celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and promotes civil rights within the state.
Event Details and Schedule
Hosted by the South Carolina chapter of the NAACP, the celebration will commence on January 19. Participants will gather at Zion Baptist Church, located at 801 Washington St. in Columbia. The schedule is as follows:
- 8:00 a.m. – Prayer service at Zion Baptist Church
- 9:30 a.m. – March begins, proceeding down Main Street
- 10:00 a.m. – Arrival at the Statehouse grounds
Speakers and Keynote Address
The event will feature speeches from various political figures. U.S. Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey will deliver the keynote address. Other notable speakers include:
- U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
- State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, D-Richland
- A range of gubernatorial and Senate candidates
The event is expected to attract a mix of political leaders. However, event organizers have noted a lack of Republican speakers at this time.
Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service forecasts sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 50 degrees during the event.
Event History and Significance
King Day at the Dome was first held in 2000 as a rally to remove the Confederate flag from atop the Statehouse. The flag was eventually taken down in 2015 following the tragic Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston. This annual gathering continues to honor civil rights heroes and raise awareness about ongoing struggles for equality.
This year’s theme, “the time is now,” reflects current challenges regarding civil rights. Devon Owens, a senior adviser for the state NAACP, emphasized the importance of this message. He encourages participants to remain steadfast in their pursuit of equality for all South Carolinians.
The event not only commemorates past achievements but also galvanizes support for continued activism. King Day at the Dome promises to be an influential gathering in South Carolina’s ongoing civil rights movement.
