More than 1,000 people gathered Monday between the North steps and the Confederate Soldier Monument where the Confederate flag has flown since 2000.
News19's own Curtis Wilson spoke at Chappelle Memorial AME Church in Columbia during a special ceremony held for King.
Attendees gathered at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Washington Street in Columbia Monday morning to march to the State House to celebrate the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Speakers at the annual King Day at the Dome, held at the State House, said that the Confederate flag must be removed from State House grounds.
(WLTX) -- People across the nation are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, and there are plenty of events happening in the Midlands.
Speakers at the annual King Day at the Dome, held at the State House, said that the Confederate flag must be removed from State House grounds.
More than 1,000 people gathered Monday between the North steps and the Confederate Soldier Monument where the flag has flown since 2000.
North Carolina NAACP president, the Rev. William Barber, repeatedly shouted "take down that flag" to rounds of applause. He said when South Carolinians are disrespected, people in North Carolina and around the country are also disrespected.
The flag was moved from atop the State House dome in 2000.
Sons of Confederate Veterans division commander Mark Simpson says the soldier's flag is at a place that honors their ancestors who fought and died, and the group will continue to defend it.
In other event,s News19's own Curtis Wilson spoke at Chappelle Memorial AME Church in Columbia during a special ceremony held for King.
Also in Columbia, City Year hosted the 6th annual Beloved Community Carnival in the State House Atrium.
Last, the Alpha Psi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will have a wreath-laying ceremony near MLK Park at 3:06 p.m. at the intersection of Harden and Greene Streets in Five Points. The 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration will follow at 4 p.m. with Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin as the featured speaker.
Gov. Nikki Haley released the following statement Monday:
"Over four decades ago, a visionary man of faith successfully lead [sic] a historic struggle that changed our nation forever. Today, I join all South Carolinians in honoring and remembering Dr. King's dream, where every citizen blessed to live in America continues to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities of this great nation at its best."