On the last day of his term, President Joe Biden visited Charleston, South Carolina, on the 19th (local time). South Carolina is where Biden won the Democratic primary five years ago, which is viewed as a place that opened the path for him to the White House.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted that "Biden will begin the day with a service at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, a Black church in South Carolina," adding that "Biden visited this location during his 2020 campaign and subsequently received support from South Carolina."
During his speech at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, Biden said, "We know that the struggle to reclaim the soul of this nation is hard and ongoing," noting, "We are now at the edge of danger and possibility. But faith teaches us that the America we dream of is always closer than we think." He continued, "We must hold tightly to hope," and added, "We must continue to engage while maintaining faith in the better days to come."
Biden also expressed gratitude to the residents of South Carolina, saying, "Your journey with me may be over, but I am as passionate about my work as I was when I was 29 years old. I have never tired."
On this day, Biden also visited the International African American Museum to commemorate "Martin Luther King Day." Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was a Black pastor who led the civil rights movement for African Americans and received the Nobel Peace Prize. The U.S. commemorates Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday in January, aligning with the birthday of King, which is January 15.
Biden highlighted that he nominated Lloyd Austin, the first Black Secretary of Defense in U.S. history, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, stating, "I made the administration reflective of America."
WSJ stated that "this visit is Biden's last official one as President of the United States," referring to it as a tribute to the state and Black voters that allowed him to conclude half a century of political career at the White House over the last four years. Biden stated that he will visit South Carolina in January 2024, saying, "In fact, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the people of South Carolina," indicating, "You are the reason I became President."