The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Columbia gathers to celebrate 25th annual King Day at the Dome

Members of the Columbia community and surrounding areas gathered for the 25th annual King Day at the Dome celebration on Jan. 20, 2025. The event began with a prayer service at Zion Baptist Church before participants marched down to the Statehouse to hear from a variety of speakers including United States District Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs, City Councilman Tyler Bailey and keynote speaker Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison. The event was originally formed to protest the waving of the Confederate flag at the Statehouse but continued even after the flag was removed in 2015.

A woman sings with her hands raised in praise at the King Day at the Dome prayer service at Zion Baptist Church on Jan. 20, 2025. The service features various singers and a local school choir.
A woman sings with her hands raised in praise at the King Day at the Dome prayer service at Zion Baptist Church on Jan. 20, 2025. The service features various singers and a local school choir.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison speaks at the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. Harrison is originally from Orangeburg, SC and previously served as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Jamie Harrison speaks at the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. Harrison is originally from Orangeburg, SC and previously served as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.
A woman looks up with her eyes closed in prayer during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. The event featured a variety of civil rights activists and religious leaders.
A woman looks up with her eyes closed in prayer during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. The event featured a variety of civil rights activists and religious leaders.
A man holds a sign reading "WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER!" outside Zion Baptist Church while he waits for the King Day at the Dome parade to start on Jan. 20, 2025. South Carolina residents were encouraged to join the parade even without a banner.
A man holds a sign reading "WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER!" outside Zion Baptist Church while he waits for the King Day at the Dome parade to start on Jan. 20, 2025. South Carolina residents were encouraged to join the parade even without a banner.
Members of the Columbia NAACP Youth Council hold their sign up while marching in the King Day at the Dome parade in Columbia on Jan. 20, 2025. Many local civil rights groups attended the march and program.
Members of the Columbia NAACP Youth Council hold their sign up while marching in the King Day at the Dome parade in Columbia on Jan. 20, 2025. Many local civil rights groups attended the march and program.
Local singer Terry Scott sings "God's Grace" during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. Scott introduced the keynote speaker, Jamie Harrison.
Local singer Terry Scott sings "God's Grace" during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. Scott introduced the keynote speaker, Jamie Harrison.
Two women with the NAACP talk with a guest at their tent at the King Day at the Dome event on Jan. 20, 2025. The NAACP and various ther organizations had tents at the event.
Two women with the NAACP talk with a guest at their tent at the King Day at the Dome event on Jan. 20, 2025. The NAACP and various ther organizations had tents at the event.
A man plays piano during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. The music was provided by various local singers and a high school choir.
A man plays piano during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. The music was provided by various local singers and a high school choir.
Bishop Eric J. Freeman gives a prayer during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. Freeman preaches at the Meeting Place Church on greater Columbia.
Bishop Eric J. Freeman gives a prayer during the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. Freeman preaches at the Meeting Place Church on greater Columbia.
A group of attendees pray together at the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. The day's speeches were moderated by local WFMV Radio host Tony Jamison
A group of attendees pray together at the King Day at the Dome program at the South Carolina Statehouse on Jan. 20, 2025. The day's speeches were moderated by local WFMV Radio host Tony Jamison