SC’s King Day at the Dome rally going virtual in 2021, local events listed

Posted: Jan 17, 2021 / 03:15 PM EST

Updated: Jan 18, 2021 / 06:32 PM EST

You also can watch the event here: Zoom Link | Facebook Link

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — For the first time in more than 20 years, a South Carolina civil rights organization isn’t holding a Martin Luther King Jr. Day rally at the Statehouse.

The South Carolina NAACP will hold its annual King Day at the Dome celebration online Monday instead.

The decision was made because of COVID-19 and before security officials closed the Statehouse because of national threats of violence in the days leading up to the presidential inauguration.

The NAACP is holding an event on Zoom starting at 10 a.m. Monday. Guests include U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell. The event plans to discuss what the NAACP and others can do to improve racial inequality in the justice system, education, economics and health care.

Here’s a list of other local events happening virtually or with COVID-19 protocols.

Monday
– South Carolina NAACP’s Virtual MLK Day, “Where Do We Go From Here,” 10 a.m.
Zoom Link | Facebook Link
– MLK Drum Major Awards Breakfast in Myrtle Beach has been postponed to a later date in light of COVID-19 safety.
– MLK annual parade in Myrtle Beach postponed due to COVID-19.
– People to People of Hartsville annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative service, noon to 1:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19, this will be a virtual program.
– Darlington: Cornerstone Baptist Church will be hosting a drive-in service at 2930 Masters Way from 11 am to 1 pm. Rep. Robert Williams, Mayor Curtis Boyd, pastors from churches across Darlington County, Darlington County First Responders, and many others will be there.

Tuesday
– Myrtle Beach, Carolina African American Heritage Foundation, all three events will be virtual: economic development summit at 11 a.m., small business government procurement workshop at 12:45 p.m. and law enforcement bias training workshop at 6 p.m.
– Coastal Carolina University: from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom, Bettina Love, Ph.D., will deliver a virtual keynote address titled, “Living a Hip-Hop and Abolitionist Life: Resistance, Creativity, Hip-Hop Civics Ed, Intersectionality, and Black Joy.”