Celebrated Civil Rights photographer Cecil J. Williams will headline the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at the USCA Convocation Center.
The event, jointly presented by Aiken Technical College and USCA, is free and open to the public, according to a press release from Aiken Tech.
It will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a community service fair featuring local nonprofits and service agencies, followed by the main program at 3 p.m.
Williams is widely recognized for his work documenting the Civil Rights Movement and the individuals who fought for justice and equality, according to a press release from Aiken Tech.
His photographs have appeared in national publications and are part of the Smithsonian’s collection. Beyond his photography, Williams founded the South Carolina Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg to educate and inspire future generations.
As part of the annual event, community members and students will be honored for their leadership and commitment to service in Aiken County and on both campuses.
Nominations for these recognitions are open through Dec. 1 at https://www.usca.edu/events/mlk/human-civil-rights-champion-awards-nominations/
