Celebrating MLK Day in GVL

mlk day 2019 greenville sc

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

#TodayIs Martin Luther King Jr. Day – aka MLK Day. It’s a day to recognize a man who risked his life to see his children live in a nation built on equality. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spearheaded the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and the March on Washington in 1963 (as well as many other historic accomplishments).

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has lunch with his mother while visiting Greenville in 1967 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection with the Greenville County Historical Society

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has lunch with his mother while visiting Greenville in 1967 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection with the Greenville County Historical Society

DYK MLK was no stranger to Greenville? That’s right. Less than a year before his assassination, King visited the Upstate on April 30, 1967 and gave a speech at Greenville Memorial Auditorium, in part, to speak out against the discrimination of Black employees at Claussen Bakery. (You can read more about that day here.)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with local leaders (including Rev. Jesse Jackson) in Greenville on April 30, 1967 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection with the Greenville County Historical Society

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with local leaders (including Rev. Jesse Jackson) in Greenville on April 30, 1967 | Photo via the Joe Jordan Collection with the Greenville County Historical Society

Since 1994, MLK Day has been observed as a national day of service spent volunteering, giving back + donating to the community. While celebrations and service opportunities may be different this year because of COVID-19, the importance of MLK Day nevertheless stands – to reflect, learn, and give back to our community.

More from GVLtoday
A local nonprofit gives new life to old pianos by teaming up with local artists across Greenville.
Greenville’s Design Review Board approved plans for a mixed-use development on the site of the former Municipal Court Building and the former American Legion building.
Here are 10 must-do activities for your Greenville spring bucket list that are unique to the Upstate and the spring season.
We’re putting our city’s vibrant ecosystem front-and-center in this new series.
Sponsored
Greenville is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
From upgraded suites to all-new menus around the ballpark, 2026 is all about celebrating the Upstate’s “Home Team.”
The road to the Final Four could start in Greenville, either for the Furman Paladins looking to shine their glass slippers or one of the teams starting the NCAA Tournament here for rounds one and two.
Grab a blanket and settle in to see these artists at local outdoor venues in Greenville.
Each week, GVLtoday and CLTtoday will recap “Top Chef: Carolinas” with fun facts we’ve learned from our reporting behind the scenes and our pro tips about venues featured in each of our cities.