COLUMBIA, S.C. — Crowds gathered at the State House Monday for the NAACP’s annual King Day at the Dome, celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.
This year’s theme, “There’s No Winning in Giving Up,” brought together local and national leaders to share messages of hope and progress inspired by King’s work.
“Don’t give up hope, but also don’t be silent in the face of hatred and division and disunity,” said Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Convention, who delivered the keynote address.
The event, which began decades ago as a push to remove the Confederate flag from the State House dome, continues to serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.
Attendees marched from the Annual Prayer Breakfast at Zion Baptist Church to the rally on the State House lawn, where Dr. King's "I Had A Dream Speech" rang out. People of all ages reflected on King’s legacy and what his words meant to them.
“Keep fighting. Don’t let nothing stop you," said Benny James, who attends the event every year. "That’s why we are out here in the cold. It was real cold this morning, but the fact is I wanna show up and hear the message because I know it’s something greater,"
For younger participants like Margo Grigg, it was a chance to learn about history. Her parents bring her to the event every year.
“It’s been really cool because I got to see presidential candidates and stuff and I got to be a part of history,” she said.
Other speakers included the National NAACP President Derrick Johnson and local figures, who urged attendees to continue the fight for equality.
“Remember that you’re free. Remember what that means, remember what it costs to become free, and remember what it costs to stay free,” said Nathaniel Canfall, another in attendance.