January 5, 2018

Honoring the legacy: Francis Marion to host 20th annual MLK Celebration

Honoring the legacy: Francis Marion to host 20th annual MLK Celebration

In the spirit of uniting the campus community in the celebration of equality and human rights, Francis Marion University along with the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce will host the 20th Annual Martin Luther King Celebration on campus on Thursday, Jan. 11.

At 6:15 p.m., a commemorative candlelight march will be held beginning on the front lawn of the Wallace House, which will lead to the McNair Science Building and the Chapman Auditorium.

The 20th Annual MLK Jr. Celebration Program, will be held at 6:30 in the Chapman Auditorium, with performances by Young, Gifted and Blessed Gospel Choir, Praise In Motion Dance Ministry and others. Florence County Councilwoman Teresa M. Ervin will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. 

Dr. Daphne Carter-McCants, FMU’s assistant dean of students and one of the event’s organizers, says the importance of the event cannot be overstated as it provides a valuable forum for the campus and surrounding community as a whole to learn of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

“It’s a great way to educate our students about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in the Civil Rights Movement,” Carter-McCants says. “An added bonus of this program is that the Florence community and individuals from the Pee Dee Region often attend.”

WHAT: Francis Marion University’s 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

WHERE: Candlelight march beginning on the Wallace House front lawn, and a celebration of the arts at the Chapman Auditorium.

WHEN: Candlelight march at 6:15 and celebration of the arts at 6:30.