Public Invited to Civic Center Renaming Ceremony and Community Event Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, January 9th, 2026
The City of Savannah, the Savannah Martin Luther Day Observance Day Committee and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance invite residents to a community celebration and renaming ceremony honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 3 p.m. at the Civic Center, located at 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
The free, family-friendly event will officially mark the renaming of the facility as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center and will include interactive activities, opportunities for reflection, and a community memory-collection experience designed to preserve the Civic Center’s history and Dr. King’s enduring impact in Savannah.
Mayor Van R. Johnson II said the renaming reflects both Savannah’s history and its future.
“The Civic Center has been a place where Savannah has gathered for decades, for performances, celebrations, and moments that shaped our shared story,” Mayor Johnson said. “Renaming this facility in honor of Dr. King ensures his legacy of justice, unity, and service will continue to guide and inspire our community for generations to come.”
Community Memory Collection
As part of the dedication, the City of Savannah Municipal Archives will host a community memory-collection event in the Civic Center lobby from 1:30 to 5 p.m., inviting residents to share personal memories of the former Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena, their hopes for the future of the Civic Center, and reflections on Dr. King’s legacy in Savannah.
Residents are encouraged to bring photographs or memorabilia related to the Arena or Civic Center, including:
- Event programs or tickets from concerts, shows, or gatherings
- Photographs of performances or events held at the Arena or Civic Center
- Personal photos of residents with family or friends attending events
- Photos of the building’s interior or exterior over the years
- Flyers, posters, or other memorabilia connected to the venue
Up to 10 items per person may be brought to the Digitization Station, where items will be scanned for preservation in the City’s Archives. Participants will keep their original items, and the Archives will retain digital copies for historical preservation and public access.
Additional interactive stations will allow attendees to share written reflections, record oral histories, contribute to a community banner wall, and participate in family-friendly activities, including a Peace Tree and children’s coloring station.
Arena Tours
Guided tours of the current Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena will be available to the public prior to the dedication ceremony from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Background
On June 27, 2024, the Mayor and Aldermen approved a resolution authorizing the removal of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena and the renovation of the Johnny Mercer Theatre, Ballroom, and Community Meeting Rooms, while affirming the City’s commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy. On Dec. 11, 2025, Savannah City Council passed a resolution officially renaming the Civic Center in Dr. King’s honor. The Johnny Mercer Theatre and other internal assets will retain their names.
