Ambassador Andrew Young Jr. has agreed to serve as honorary chair for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Ballot Boxes Speech. Ambassador Young joined Dr. King on his visit to Kingstree in 1966 and was a valued member of Dr. King’s inner circle. Ambassador Young was an activist for the civil rights movement in the 1960s and later became a member of Congress, mayor of Atlanta and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The planning committee for this event is extremely honored and grateful for Ambassador Young’s willingness to serve as the event’s honorary chair. To learn more about Ambassador Young, visit the Andrew J. Young Foundation website.

U.S. Congressman James Clyburn was a young man sitting in the crowd on the damp, rainy Mother’s Day in Kingstree in 1966. He was one of thousands who came to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. share his message about the importance of a newfound right for African Americans – the right to vote! In Congressman Clyburn’s own words.

“My wife Emily and I were in attendance on that spring day in Kingstree, nearly 50 years ago, when Dr. King sounded his clarion call to “march to the ballot box.” 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.”

Congressman Clyburn and his staff join the entire town of Kingstree, Williamsburg County and our planning committee in the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime commemorative celebration.

Sponsorships are available for businesses, organizations and individuals interested in being a part of this commemorative celebration. With an anticipated attendance that mirrors or exceeds the original crowd in 1966 (5,000+), sponsors will have the opportunity to demonstrate their support of Dr. King’s message to his fellow Americans to “see the power” and use the rights and freedoms bestowed upon them to make a difference at the polls. Download our sponsorship packet for information on various levels and how you can get involved.