MLK Celebration: Music and the Movement

Set to the soundtrack of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, this unique community day honors Black leaders, the power of storytelling, and the central role music plays in Black culture and activism. Native Son, featuring Benny Starr and Rodrick Cliche, headlines with a contemporary musical experience that explores the themes of Black Power mashed up with classic movement songs. The day-long celebration also includes artmaking, DJ sets, film screenings, gallery tours, food vendors, and more.

Free admission courtesy of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Program support provided by the Friends of African American Art & Culture. 

Sign up for a volunteer shift here.

Full schedule: 

• The NiA Company returns to the CMA, this time using the voices of Darion McCloud and Samuel McWhite to bring to life the songs and words of the streets, the community, and the people. Smart fun for the entire family.
  • 11:00 a.m., Noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
• Native Son featuring Benny Starr and Rodrick Cliché. In their debut performance, lowcountry-based group brings to Columbia a never-before-seen hip-hop set combining music from Starr’s catalog and classic movement songs. 
  • 3:00 p.m.   
• Workshops featuring SC artists.
  • Documentary photography with Michael Dantzler
  • Songwriting with Tiffany J
  • Spoken word with Tammaka Staley
    • Learn a new way of expressing your story. Limited capacity. First come, first seated. No registration required. 
    • 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. – Noon; 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.; 2:00 – 2:30 p.m

Ongoing

• Collection galleries open and featuring a self-guided tour of work by Black artists
• The Cross Hatch, an all-ages interactive gallery where you are the artist
• Film screening hosted by the Friends of African American Art & Culture
  • Charlie’s Place (2018, 30 minutes) playing on loop beginning at 10:30 a.m.
• Artmaking stations for all ages
• Printmaking with Spexx Art
• Catch a demo by SC artist Alana Harris, then try your hand at printmaking.
• Black Is Beautiful portrait booth
• Inspired by the summer 2020 exhibition Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite, sit for a photo with a professional photographer. 
• Black Is Beautiful story booth 
  • Sit down at the mic and share your story. 
•  DJ sets by Preach Jacobs
• Think Black, Buy Black pop-up shop
  • Buy wares from local artisans. 

Food Available for purchase from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m from vendors A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen, and Fishin’ Fellas.