Spartanburg officials outline Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week events

The mayor of Spartanburg used the council meeting to outline the city’s schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week, announcing a mayoral breakfast Thursday, an art contest reception at the Chapman Cultural Center at 6 p.m., a Friday "Kindness Day," and a teen "takeover" at a local recreation center that evening to give teenagers a supervised space to gather.

The mayor also said the city will host a Saturday walk at 9 a.m. beginning at the Robert Chapman Center for Philanthropy and a Sunday community celebration at 3 p.m. at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium featuring keynote speaker Dr. Adolf Brown. "Be kind to your neighbor," the mayor said, urging residents to participate in events focused on youth and community service. The mayor encouraged volunteers to join United Way’s Day of Service on Monday, describing it as "a day on, not a day off."

City officials framed the week as a focus on youth engagement and community building: some events will pair teenagers with speakers and offer opportunities for service and creative expression. Council members welcomed the schedule and highlighted local groups assisting with logistics.

The city did not announce special permits, road closures, or additional public-safety staffing during the presentation; organizers asked residents to consult city communications for registration and timing details.