President Joe Biden is making his final trip in office to Charleston, South Carolina, where he will be speaking at a church service ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden and his son Hunter Biden, the President boarded Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews for the journey. His daughter, Ashley Biden, is also reported to be on board.
During the service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, President Biden will address Dr. King's legacy and the ongoing efforts to realize his dream, as stated by a White House official. Following the church service, the President and First Lady will visit the International African American Museum to deliver remarks.
South Carolina holds significant importance in President Biden's political journey. In the 2020 campaign, after initial setbacks in Iowa and New Hampshire, Biden's victory in the South Carolina primary, fueled by strong support from Black voters, marked a turning point that led to his eventual Democratic nomination.
Representative Jim Clyburn, a close ally of the President, highlighted that Biden chose South Carolina for his final trip as a tribute to his 50-year public service career and the deep personal connections he has with the state. The Biden family has a history of seeking solace in South Carolina, often vacationing in its coastal regions, including a gathering in Kiawah Island shortly after the passing of Biden's son Beau in 2015.
President Biden's visit to Charleston not only underscores the significance of South Carolina in his political journey but also serves as a moment to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice in the United States.
