Grand Strand Freedom Week Celebrates 20 Years

Grand Strand Freedom Week Celebrates 20 Years with Special Events Jan. 17-21 to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—The Carolina African American Heritage Foundation (CAAHF), in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC), will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Grand Strand Freedom Week, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with special events from Jan. 17 to 21, 2025.

The week will kick off on Friday, Jan. 17, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with a special 20th Anniversary Celebration at the Myrtle Beach Train Depot. Entertainment will be provided by The 100 Grand Band.

On Saturday, Jan. 18, the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will follow a new route from Charlie’s Place on Carver Street to Mr. Joe White Avenue, crossing over U.S. Highway 17 Business (Kings Highway) to Ocean Boulevard, headed north to 15th Avenue North. Organizations throughout the Grand Strand are invited to participate in the parade. Registration is open.

Following the parade, the MLK Community Youth Fair will be held from Noon to 4 p.m. at Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and the Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand.

On Sunday, Jan. 19, the CommUNITY Ecumenical Service will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Mount Olive AME Church on Carver Street.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m., the MLK Drum Major Awards and Breakfast will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Inspired by Dr. King’s “Drum Major Instinct” sermon, the awards honor community leaders in service and engagement.

Throughout the week, food donations will be collected at various locations to benefit Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach, a local food pantry. Drop-off sites include the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce on Oak Street.

“For the past 20 years, Grand Strand Freedom Week has united Myrtle Beach area residents for a week of empowerment through education and support. Like the late Dr. King, we call on all our community to embrace diversity and work collectively toward creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected,” said CAAHF Chairwoman Marcella Swans.

All events are free to attend except for the Drum Major Awards and Breakfast. For more information and to register for events, visit CAAHF.org.