KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders in Knoxville are planning several events to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This year, the federal holiday falls on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr.'s actual birthday. It is celebrated on the third Monday of January every year.
The MLK Jr. Commemorative Commission organized several events starting on Jan. 5 and lasting up until Jan. 15, when it will host a memorial tribute service. The YWCA of Knoxville also scheduled its annual Race Against Racism and Diversity Day leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A list of events and the days they start is available below.
Jan. 5, 2024
Gallery of Arts Tribute (5 p.m. - 9 p.m.): The MLK Commemorative Commission partnered with the Arts and Alliance of Greater Knoxville to kick off its 2024 King Week Celebration. The tribute unveils an exhibition designed to recognize local artists and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The opening celebration will be at the Emporium Center.
Jan. 10, 2024
Interfaith Prayer Service (12 p.m.): This event is meant to bring together people of all faiths together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. It will be at the Lennon Seney United Methodist Church located at 2084 Dandridge Avenue.
Jan. 11, 2024
Leadership Educational Symposium (8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.): This event focuses on dialogue and discussion of social justice issues, providing perspectives from thought leaders and experts on how communities can work to be more inclusive and welcoming. This year, it will be at the University of Tennessee Student Union located at 1502 Cumberland Avenue.
Thomas "Tank" Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon (12 p.m. - 2 p.m.): This event recognizes the community leaders and organizations who most embodied the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and worked tirelessly to improve their communities. The paid event will also be at the UT Student Union. Ticket sales have ended for the luncheon.
Jan. 12, 2024
Community Forum (6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.): The MLK Commemorative Commission partnered with the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance to host a community forum, where people will be able to go and enjoy conversations about social justice work and ideas about inclusion, while also listening to music. Anyone who wants to learn more about the community forum can call organizers at 865-776-5050. It will be at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, located at 1927 Dandridge Avenue.
Jan. 13, 2024
MLK Youth Symposium (8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.): The MLK Commemorative Commission is organizing a symposium at Austin-East High School. During the symposium, attendees will have fun with educational activities while also enjoying free food and entertainment. The symposium is meant to help teach students about social justice, civic engagement and personal development in Knox County. The commission is also meant to act as a "sounding board" for student goals, aspirations and desires. The theme for this year is "Moving Toward Freedom, Justice, and Equality." Students who want to participate need to pre-register online by Jan. 6.
28th Annual Diversity Day and Race Against Racism (9 a.m.): The YWCA Knoxville will host its annual event promoting unity and advocating against racism on the Saturday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The 5K race starts in front of the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center in downtown Knoxville, followed by a 1-mile walk and a Kids Fun Run. Then, families will have a chance to enjoy cultural performances and discussions from keynote speakers as part of its Diversity Day event.
Jan. 14, 2024
MLK Celebration Concert (3 p.m.): The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will host a special, free tribute concert at the Bijou Theater starting at 3 p.m. No tickets are required to attend the concert — can arrive at the theater and enjoy the music commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Night With the Arts Tribute (6 p.m. - 8 p.m.): The MLK Commemorative Commission is also hosting a music tribute at the UT Cox Auditorium. Some performances will be by "Of Ebony Embers" and the event will include "multi-faceted artistic expression." The concert will also feature several singers and performers from East Tennessee, as well as the MLK Holiday Choir.
Jan. 15, 2024
MLK Memorial Tribute Service (12 p.m. - 2 p.m.): Hosted at Overcoming Believers Church, the MLK Day event closes out the MLK Commemorative Commission's week of events. During the service, it presents awards and a celebration choir provides music. Organizers are also bringing out a keynote speaker for the tribute service — Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. He is the pastor of Bethel Church in Jacksonville, Florida.