5 Ways to Celebrate MLK Weekend in Savannah

This year, we will be celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 16th. Within Savannah, there is a longstanding group founded in 1985 called the MLK Observance Day Association. They are dedicated to celebrating Dr. King and his mission of peace and unity, which changed the world. The MLK Observance Day Association organizes several different events each year.

The past few years, the Martin Luther King Jr. events were postponed due to the pandemic, so we are very excited that the events are back on for 2023! Here are five ways you can celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Savannah.

1 – Attend the Citywide Memorial Worship Service

On Sunday January 15th, you can head to the St Philip Monumental African Methodist Episcopal Church on Jefferson Street to attend the Citywide Memorial Worship Service that is free to the public. Featuring music and speaker Rev. Dr. Ephriam D. Stephens, the service that starts at 10am focuses on worshiping as one.

2- Head downtown to see the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. annual parade is back! Starting at 10am on January 16th, the parade will go from East Broad Street to the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and West Anderson Street. Click here to see the full parade route so you can figure out the best viewing spot.  

There is also still time to apply to be in the parade as well! For more information on being in the parade, click here.

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3 – See the Jazz Concert at the Unitarian Universalist Church

Following the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, on Monday January 16th, you can continue the celebration at the Unitarian Universalist Church on East Harris Street to see a jazz concert. The jazz concert begins at 2pm and features the Savannah State Choir. For more information and live updates, visit their Facebook page.

4 – Visit the Martin Luther King Jr Monument

In 2022, Savannah decided to place a permanent visual reminder to honor Dr. King within the city and dedicated a park in his honor. Now you can go visit the bronze bust and Martin Luther King Jr. park at any time and spend some time reflecting on Dr. King’s message of love and peace. The park is located at 500 W River Street.

5 – Go to the Gospel Festival in February

To continue the celebration, the New Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church is hosting a jazz festival on February 19th. Located on Tennessee Ave, the festival starts at 4pm and goes until 6pm, featuring songs from singer Vickie Winans.

Dr. Martin Luther King, among many other individuals who gave up their lives within Savannah, saw a world where everyone could come together and on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we hope that you take time to celebrate that idea. If you are looking for a long weekend getaway, check out South Key’s available accommodations where you will see that South Key Management is the key to your Southern comfort!