USCA and Aiken Tech Hold MLK Day Event After Weather Delay

Keynote speaker Cecil Williams shares his photography and civil rights movement experiences with students.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) and Aiken Technical College were finally able to hold their MLK Day event on Sunday after it had been postponed for the past two weeks due to winter weather. Keynote speaker Cecil Williams, who documented the civil rights movement and knew Dr. King personally, spoke to students about his photography and the importance of celebrating all of American history, not just during Black History Month.

Why it matters

The MLK Day event is an important annual commemoration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. After being postponed due to inclement weather, the universities were able to reschedule and host the event, allowing students to learn from a firsthand witness to that pivotal era of American history.

The details

The MLK Day event featured keynote speaker Cecil Williams, a photographer who documented the civil rights movement and personally knew Dr. King. Williams shared his photography and spoke to students about the importance of celebrating all of American history, not just during designated heritage months. The event was originally scheduled for earlier in January but had to be postponed due to winter weather in the Augusta, Georgia area.

  • The MLK Day event was originally scheduled for earlier in January but was postponed due to winter weather.
  • The event was finally held on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA)

A public university located in Aiken, South Carolina that hosts an annual MLK Day event.

Aiken Technical College

A public two-year college located in Aiken, South Carolina that co-hosts the annual MLK Day event with USCA.

Cecil Williams

A photographer who documented the civil rights movement and personally knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was the keynote speaker at the MLK Day event.

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What they’re saying

“So I think all history should be celebrated because during that period of time, people sacrifice, people die. And we must commemorate those people when it's a part of our history. And I think not just something that we should celebrate during Black History Month, but American history all year long.”

— Cecil Williams, Keynote Speaker (WRDW)

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of commemorating the civil rights movement and Dr. King's legacy, not just during designated heritage months but throughout the year as part of the broader tapestry of American history. The postponement due to winter weather also underscores the logistical challenges that can arise in planning community events, and the value of flexibility and resilience in rescheduling.