“King Day at the Dome” draws large crowd, political heavy hitters

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — On Monday, the 26th Annual King Day at the Dome honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The popular event draws a number of local politicians as well as heavy-hitters from across the nation.

King Day begins with a prayer service at Zion Baptist Church on Washington Street, followed by the annual march to the Statehouse lawn. The chilly temperatures did not stop hundreds from participating.

“We just can’t sit down, we have to come out and stand up for what we believe in,” says participant Dechancela Williams.

King Day at the Dome got its start in 2000 — as an effort to remove the Confederate flag. The event continues to grow in size — drawing well-known figures to the Statehouse steps including California Representative Ro Khanna, and keynote speaker New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

“We are a powerful people and the power of the people is greater than the people in power. I don’t care what they say from the White House. We are the people and in our generation we shall overcome!” Booker shouts from the podium.

Both Congressmen met with media inside the Statehouse just before the event began — addressing the economic divide in our country.

“Affordable healthcare is not a partisan issue. The right to vote is not a partisan issue. Making sure people can work with dignity is not a partisan issue. So I’m proud the NAACP steps up not when it’s convenient or comfortable but continues to fight to get people to vote in 2026,” says Booker.

“My focus is ‘How do we get more people in this state, in SC, and in the south, participating in the wealth generation of the A.I. revolution? How do we bring more economic vitality here?” asks Khanna.

A long list of local candidates also addressed the crowd — including candidate for governor, Representative Jermaine Johnson.

“When we work together, when we start walking to that ballot box, we will take this state back. We will take this country back,” Johnson says.

U.S. Senate candidates (and Senator Lindsey Graham contenders) Brandon Brown, Catherine Fleming Bruce, and Dr. Annie Andrews also addressed the crowd.

“We cannot lose hope. We must not lose hope. Our kids and our grandkids are counting on us to fight back,” says Andrews.

NAACP leaders say this year’s theme for King Day at the Dome — “The Time is Now” — serves as a reminder to push for equality across our state.

Were he alive, Dr. King would be celebrating his 97th birthday this month.