Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January. This year it falls on January 15th, his actual birthday.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville leaders are planning several events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year’s federal holiday falls on January 15, Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday. It is celebrated on the third Monday of January every year.
The MLK Jr. Memorial Committee has planned several events beginning on January 5th and continuing through January 15th, when a memorial service will be held. The YWCA of Knoxville also scheduled its annual “Day of Combat Racism and Diversity” in advance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A list of events and their start dates can be found below.
January 5, 2024
Gallery of Arts Tribute (5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.): The MLK Memorial Committee, in partnership with Arts and Alliance of Greater Knoxville, kicks off the 2024 King Week Celebration. Masu. The memorial will feature an exhibition designed to recognize local artists and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The opening celebration will be held at the Emporium Center.
January 10, 2024
Interfaith Prayer Service (12 p.m.): This event is designed to bring people of all faiths together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. The venue will be Lennon Seney United Methodist Church, 2084 Dandridge Avenue.
January 11, 2024
Leadership Education Symposium (8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.): This event focuses on dialogue and discussion about social justice issues and how we can help our communities become more inclusive and welcoming. We offer perspectives from thought leaders and experts on how you can get started. This year it will be held at the University of Tennessee Student Union, 1502 Cumberland Avenue.
Thomas “Tank” Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon (12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.): This event honors the community leaders who most embody the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and have worked tirelessly to improve their communities. and organizations. Paid events will also be held in the UT Student Union building. Lunchtime ticket sales have ended.
January 12, 2024
Community Forum (6:30pm – 8:30pm): The MLK Memorial Committee will host a community forum in partnership with the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance. There, people can enjoy conversations about social justice initiatives and ideas around inclusion. ,While listening to music. If you would like more information about the community forum, please call the host at 865-776-5050. It will be held at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, located at 1927 Dandridge Avenue.
January 13, 2024
MLK Youth Symposium (8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.): The MLK Memorial Committee will hold a symposium at Austin East High School. During the symposium, attendees will enjoy educational activities while enjoying free food and entertainment. This symposium is designed to teach students about social justice, civic engagement, and personal growth in Knox County. This committee is also intended to serve as a “sounding board” for students’ goals, aspirations, and aspirations. This year’s theme is “Toward Freedom, Justice and Equality.” Students wishing to participate must pre-register online by January 6th.
28th Annual Diversity Day and Anti-Racism Movement (9 a.m.): YWCA Knoxville celebrates the year to promote unity and speak out against racism on the Saturday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hold the next event. The 5K race starts in front of his YWCA Phillis Sweetley Center in downtown Knoxville, followed by a 1-mile walk and kids fun run. Families will then have the opportunity to enjoy cultural performances and discussions with keynote speakers as part of the Diversity Day event.
January 14, 2024
MLK Celebration Concert (3 p.m.): The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will present a special free tribute concert at the Bijou Theater starting at 3 p.m. No tickets are required to attend the concert. You can arrive at the theater to enjoy music commemorating Dr. Martin.luther king jr.
Night with the Arts Tribute (6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.): The MLK Memorial Committee is also hosting a musical tribute at UT Cox Auditorium. Some performances will be by “Of Ebony Embers” and the event will include “multifaceted artistic expression.” The concert will feature several East Tennessee singers and performers, as well as the MLK Holiday Choir.
January 15, 2024
MLK Memorial Tribute Service (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): The MLK Day event at Overcoming Believers Church concludes the MLK Memorial Committee’s week of events. During the service, awards will be presented and music will be performed by the Celebration Choir. Organizers have also invited Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick Jr. to be the keynote speaker for the memorial service. He is the pastor of Bethel Church in Jacksonville, Florida.