News Summary
Myrtle Beach prepares for the 20th anniversary of Grand Strand Freedom Week, scheduled from January 17 to 21, 2025. Organized by the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation and the local city, this event features a grand celebration, a parade of unity, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for community involvement, including the MLK Drum Major Awards and a cleanup initiative. The week’s events honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while fostering community spirit and engagement.
Excitement Builds for Grand Strand Freedom Week 2025!
As the city of Myrtle Beach gears up for a vibrant celebration, residents and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the 20th anniversary of Grand Strand Freedom Week. This exciting series of events, taking place from January 17 to 21, 2025, honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is organized with great enthusiasm by the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the City of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kick Off with a Celebration!
The festivities will kick off with a grand celebration on January 17 at the historic Myrtle Beach Train Depot. Guests can enjoy an evening filled with live entertainment from the fabulous 100 Grand Band, setting a lively tone for the week ahead.
Join the Parade of Unity
Mark your calendars for January 18, because this day is sure to be a highlight of Freedom Week! The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and will follow a new, exciting route along Kings Highway to Ocean Boulevard. The parade invites various organizations from across the Grand Strand to participate, creating a community spirit of unity and celebration.
It’s important to note that there will be some road closures to accommodate the event. Starting at 9 a.m., Withers Drive between 13th and 16th Avenues North will close for parade staging, and access to Ocean Boulevard between 16th and 7th Avenues North will be blocked off at 9:45 a.m. So if you’re headed that way, make sure to plan ahead!
Fun for the Whole Family!
After the parade, families are invited to join in the fun at the MLK Youth Fair, which takes place from noon to 3 p.m. at Myrtle Beach Middle School. This event promises to be entertaining and engaging for kids of all ages!
Later in the day, at 4 p.m., the CommUNITY Ecumenical Service will be held at Mound Olive AME Church on Carver Street, bringing the community together in reflection and solidarity.
Honoring Local Leaders
As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King, it’s important to recognize those who embody his spirit through service. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the MLK Drum Major Awards will take place at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This event honors community leaders who have made a significant impact through their commitment to service and engagement. For those who would like to attend the Breakfast, tickets are available for $25 each or a table of ten for $250.
Giving Back and Moving Forward
On January 20, a beautification and cleanup at Bathsheba Bowens Memorial Park will commence at 12:30 p.m., offering a great opportunity for everyone to join in and help make a difference in the community.
The concluding day of the Freedom Week, January 21, will feature an economic development summit starting at 9 a.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, alongside a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Forum and small business expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Horry Georgetown Technical College. These events aim to foster discussions and networking opportunities, paving the way for a brighter future.
Food Donations for the Needy
In the spirit of giving, food donations will be collected throughout Freedom Week to support Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach. Drop-off sites, including the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, will be available for those wanting to contribute.
With so many exciting events lined up, Grand Strand Freedom Week is set to be an unforgettable celebration. So gather your friends and family and join the festivities to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s remarkable legacy!
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- My Horry News
- WPDE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Martin Luther King Jr.
- Google Search: Grand Strand Freedom Week
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
