Avery Research Center Director to Marshal MLK Parade

Tamara Butler, executive director of the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture and associate dean of College of Charleston Libraries, will be honored during the Charleston YWCA’s 53rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Butler will be the marshal of the MLK celebration parade on Jan. 20, 2025.

“I am humbled and overjoyed about this opportunity to serve as the marshal for this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade,” says Butler. “Since the event is sponsored by the YWCA of Greater Charleston, I think about all the women who fought and prayed for justice and equity. I also remember that the community sustained Dr. King and several leaders, organizers and citizens. Therefore, I am excited about all of the individuals who will march in the parade under the Avery Research Center’s banner: students, faculty staff, local entrepreneurs and longstanding supporters of Avery, advocates for justice, and agents of change.” 

The MLK parade will begin at 9 a.m. and travel from Burke High School to Marion Square. Over 100 participants are expected to march in the parade, including marching bands, dance groups and a variety of floats.