Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Nashville

Nashville is filled with ways to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 12, 2025
Women of Faith Panel

Engage with women clergy members of the IMF to explore the historic and ongoing role of Black women in ministry, their contributions to the IMF, and their unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and faith. This conversation will honor their legacy and highlight the ways in which they continue to lead, inspire, and empower within the church and beyond. This Webinar is also available to live stream on Scarritt Bennett Center's Facebook page.

January 13, 2025
Fisk Gymnastics MLK Invitational Meet

Join Fisk University for their MLK Day Invitational Meet. This meet will be at the Nashville Fairgrounds and will feature athletes from Rutgers University, Wilberforce University, and The College of William & Mary.
 

January 15, 2025
Community Banner Day

Be a part of the march when Nashville's community comes together to pay homage to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his fight for social justice and civil rights. Eventgoers can create banners for your group or organization to display and walk with during the march!

January 15, 2025
MLK Commemorative Speaker Event

Join a powerful evening with filmmakers Karen Hayes and Pamela Tom as they discuss their film “A Better Way: James Lawson, Architect of Nonviolence.” Through select clips, they’ll share insights into the filmmaking process, their time with Dr. James Lawson, and the impact of his work on the broader justice movement. The event will be emceed by Dr. Phillis Sheppard, E. Rhodes, and Leona B. Carpenter, Chair of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Executive Director of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements, offering an engaging conversation on the legacy of nonviolence and its relevance today. This special program will kick off Vanderbilt’s 2025 MLK Commemorative series. Don’t miss this meaningful celebration of justice and leadership!

January 16, 2025
Nashville MLK Day Gala

Wear your finest black tie attire and get ready to mingle with like-minded individuals passionate about equality and justice at the Nashville Parthenon. Enjoy live music and captivating performances throughout the evening, and indulge in a delectable array of culinary delights. This carefully curated program will honor Dr. King's remarkable impact and inspire continued work. The IMF Gala proudly supports the IMF Community Fund Education Reserve, which is dedicated to fostering future leaders to champion social justice advocacy.

January 17, 2025
Labor & Human Rights Breakfast

Join the Scarritt Bennett Center for the Labor & Human Rights Breakfast, a commemorative event that honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy as a champion of labor and human rights. This event will explore the vital intersection of labor, faith, and civil rights. Scheduled for MLK Day 2025, the breakfast will be hosted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and organized by the Central Labor Council of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, in collaboration with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.

January 17, 2025
Youth Symposium/Intergenerational Panel

Be a part of a day of connection, learning, and inspiration at the Youth Symposium. This year’s event includes the Intergenerational Panel, where leaders from different generations will share how activism, knowledge, and messaging have shaped their advocacy. Moderated by Beverly Watts, retired leader of the TN & KY Human Rights Commissions, the panel features voices like Jacob Aparicio, Erin Armstrong, Bishop Aaron X. Marble, Tabitha Mundy, and Christine Tran. Together, they’ll explore past, present, and future issues in activism and equity. The symposium offers a variety of interactive workshops, including Climate Justice with Sunrise Hillsboro, Youth Organizer Training, Words as Power with Southern Word, Coding and Community, and Listen to the Past: Talks with Civil Rights Leaders.

January 19, 2025
MLK A Celebration in Song with Mickey Guyton

Join the Nashville Symphony for an unforgettable evening honoring the life and legacy of  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our 31st annual MLK Celebration. This inspiring event will feature the powerful voices of the Celebration Chorus and Celebration Youth Chorus, along with four-time GRAMMY®-nominated artist and country music trailblazer Mickey Guyton.

January 19, 2025
Worship Service

Join an amazing youth-led, uplifting experience filled with vibrant worship, energetic liturgical dance, and a powerful message brought to you by youth and young adults in the city of Nashville! This is a great opportunity to share your gifts and talents and help lead the congregation in Worship.

January 20, 2025
40th Annual Nashville MLK March & Convocation

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take part in the 2025 Nashville MLK Day March and Convocation, celebrating 40 years of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Nashville! Transportation will be available, and Vanderbilt attendees who register to attend will receive a free MLK Day hoodie. Vanderbilt community members will march together with members of the greater Nashville community, from the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to the TSU Gentry Center.

January 20, 2025
MLK Day Day Pre-Convocation Youth Rally, March, & Convocation

Join a day of unity and reflection as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The morning will begin with powerful speeches and uplifting music at the 2025 Nashville MLK Day Pre-Convocation Rally at Jefferson Street Baptist Church. This will be followed by a march to Tennessee State University’s Gentry Center, concluding with a convocation hosted by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF). 

January 25, 2025
MLK Joint Day of Service

The MLK Joint Day of Service is an annual celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. Students from all of Nashville’s colleges and universities will come together at Meharry Medical College for a kickoff event and then volunteer at community service projects across the city.

Ongoing
The Civil Rights Collection

The Civil Rights Collection at the Nashville Public Library features black & white photos from the Civil Rights era in Nashville and a circular table in the center of the room representing the lunch counters of Nashville - locations of many sit-in protests that fueled the Civil Rights Movement.