Savannah to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Civic Center renaming and community celebration

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah, alongside the Savannah Martin Luther King Day Observance Day Committee and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, invites the public to a free community celebration and renaming ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 17, at the Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.

The event formally designates the venue as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center, recognizing Dr. King’s enduring impact on Savannah and the nation.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II said the renaming reflects both the city’s history and its future. He noted the Civic Center’s long role as a gathering place for performances, celebrations, and pivotal moments, and said honoring Dr. King helps ensure his values of justice, unity, and service continue to guide future generations.

As part of the dedication, the City of Savannah Municipal Archives will host a community memory-collection event from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Civic Center lobby. Residents are encouraged to share memories of the former Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy in Savannah, and offer ideas for the Civic Center’s future.

Participants may bring up to 10 items per person to be scanned at the Digitization Station, including:

• Event programs or tickets
• Photos from concerts, performances, or gatherings
• Personal photos with family or friends at the venue
• Images of the building’s interior or exterior
• Flyers, posters, or related memorabilia

Original items will be returned, while digital copies will be preserved in the City’s Archives for historical record and public access.

Guided tours of the current Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena will be available from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., prior to the dedication ceremony. Tours are weather dependent.

In June 2024, Savannah’s Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution authorizing the removal of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena and renovations to the Johnny Mercer Theatre, Ballroom, and Community Meeting Rooms, while reaffirming the city’s commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy. In December 2025, City Council formally approved renaming the Civic Center in Dr. King’s honor. The Johnny Mercer Theatre and other internal venues will retain their existing names.

Event Details

When: Saturday, January 17• Arena Tours: 1:30–2:30 p.m.• Dedication Ceremony: 3:00 p.m.

Where: Civic Center Lobby, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.

What: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Renaming Ceremony and Community Memory Collection

Who: City of Savannah, Savannah Martin Luther King Day Observance Day Committee, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, City of Savannah Municipal Archives

Cost: Free and open to the public

Arena tours are weather dependent.