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Knoxville Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Week

Community members participating in Martin Luther King Jr. events in Knoxville.

News Summary

Knoxville gears up for a week of events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring celebrations themed ‘Beyond the Dream: Empowering the Beloved Communities’. Activities include prayer services, symposiums, and art exhibitions, ensuring community engagement and reflection. The week culminates in a memorial tribute service, inviting all to come together in unity and empowerment.

Knoxville Gears Up for a Joyful Week Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

Hey, Knoxville! Are you ready for an unforgettable week filled with fun and reflection? The city is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to honor the incredible legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a lineup of exciting events designed to bring the community together. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Dream: Empowering the Beloved Communities,” and it promises to inspire all who participate.

A Host of Festivities Awaits!

Starting with the moonlit hike and even Disney princess appearances, there’s something for everyone! The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has carefully planned this week of celebration, featuring a grand total of eight events throughout January, culminating on the federal holiday, January 20. Since the founding of the Commission in 1982, the city has been committed to keeping the spirit of Dr. King alive.

Memorable Events On the Schedule

Here’s what you can look forward to:

January 15: Join in on the Interfaith Prayer Service at Church Street United Methodist from noon to 1 p.m.
January 16: The Leadership Educational Symposium kicks off from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by the prestigious Thomas “Tank” Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. (Note: this event is sold out).
January 17: Engage in a Community Forum at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center at 7 p.m.
January 18: Youth are encouraged to attend the Youth Symposium at Austin East High School, running from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
January 19: Enjoy a Night with the Arts Tribute at Community Evangelistic Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
January 20: Conclude the week with a heartfelt MLK Memorial Tribute Service at Overcoming Believers Church from noon to 2 p.m.

Art and Community Spirit

Don’t miss the Gallery of Arts Tribute, which opened its doors on January 3 and will showcase about 40-50 unique artworks inspired by Dr. King’s life and legacy. You can enjoy this visual feast at The Emporium Center, complete with live entertainment and complimentary refreshments, available for viewing through January 31.

Emphasizing Education and Leadership

One of the standout highlights is the sold-out Thomas “Tank” Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon, where Nzinga “Zing” Shaw will be the keynote speaker. With her extensive background in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, she is sure to motivate attendees as they share a meal and honor local leaders.

Join the Fun for Free!

The best part? Most of these events are free to attend, opening up various opportunities for everyone in the Knoxville community to participate and engage. So, grab your family and friends, and dive into the spirit of unity and empowerment that this week embodies.

Get Your Information

For more details on all these fantastic events, head to the official website of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission at mlkknox.org.

This week is all about celebrating the incredible impact Dr. King had on civil rights and justice. Let’s come together, learn, and honor his vision!