On August 6, 1965—just a few months prior to Dr. King's speech— President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act, allowing the majority of Kingstree's citizens the right to vote. President Johnson called the day, "a triumph for freedom as huge as any victory that has even been won." Dr. King’s visit to Kingstree would be an important stop on his crusade to help rid African American voters of the fear of voting.

Sitting in the audience during Dr. King's speech was a young man who would rise to Dr. King's calling and not only march on ballot boxes but lead our nation on Capitol Hill—Congressman James Clyburn.

"My wife Emily and I were in attendance on that spring day in Kingstree, 50 years ago, when Dr. King sounded his clarion call to 'march to the ballot box,'" recalls Congressman Clyburn. "From that moment, we were inspired toward a lifetime of service and engagement. As we look back on that momentous occasion and reflect on Dr. King's call, we must also look forward. The struggle for voting rights and voter engagement continues and each of us must do our part to take up Dr. King's work and make it our own."

While we have progressed over the past five decades, there is still much work to be done. Join us in Kingstree as we honor Dr. King with an unveiling of a historical marker, a speech re-enactment, a gospel celebration, voter registration opportunities and much more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that can be shared with your entire family.

WATCH DR. KING'S MARCH ON BALLOT BOXES ORIGINAL SPEECH
Note: Sound begins on this recording at 1:15.

A special acknowledgment to the 1966 Williamsburg County Voter’s League for inviting Dr. King to Kingstree and making this historic speech a reality.