Since 1982, the MLK Commission has been organizing a special celebration each year for the Knoxville area to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The week long celebration focuses on providing education and leadership training for adults and youth and promotes reconciliation through peaceful conflict resolution.

Part of the celebration also includes stories of racial struggles with emphasis on non-violence, equality, and love. 

This year's celebration centers around the theme "Honoring The Dream By Standing For Justice and Equality." This theme is attributed to the Dream and the Dreamer who affirmed, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?"


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 

Friday, January 6, 2017

GALLERY OF ARTS TRIBUTE
Emporium Center/ Arts &Culture Alliance
The MLK Gallery of Arts Tribute will kick-off the 2017 King Week Celebration. The Galley of Arts Tribute is a juried exhibition developed to recognize local artists and most importantly honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Wednesday, January 11

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church at 12 noon
The major opening of the MLK Celebration is traditionally an interfaith prayer service to bring people of our community from all faiths together in worship.


Thursday, January 12, 2017

LEADERSHIP EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
Knoxville Marriott at 8:30 a.m.
A highlight of the MLK Celebration is the annual leadership symposium providing a forum for dialogue and exchange of information about social justice issues.

LEADERSHIP/AWARDS LUNCHEON
Knoxville Marriott at 12 noon
The business leadership awards luncheon will bring businesses from all segments of Knoxville together to honor special people who have made a difference in our community and will feature special Keynote Speaker Donald Casimere, the founding member of the National Association for the Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement.


Friday, January 13, 2017

COMMUNITY FORUM – OAK RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE ALLIANCE
Beck Cultural Exchange Center at 6:30 p.m.
An especially important element in the MLK Celebration activities is a Community Forum with our partners of the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance.


Saturday, January 14, 2017

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
Austin-East High School at 8:30 a.m.
The MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration Commission Youth Symposium team has again partnered with the Knoxville Chapter of Jack & Jill of America to provide a day of youth development and leadership training. We intend to continue to nurture and develop the next generation of leaders who will be inspired to reweave the fabric of our community.

TEACHER IN-SERVICE TRAINING
Beck Cultural Exchange Center at 8:30 a.m.
The purpose of the MLK Teacher In-Service program is to provide a very special training session for teachers and other professionals that tie in directly with the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Y.W.C.A. RACE AGAINST RACISM
Phyllis Wheatley Center at 11:30 a.m.
This 5K Run/1-Mile Walk and community event is a chance for Knoxville to celebrate diversity while working to create peace, justice and equality for all people.


Monday, January 16, 2017

MEMORIAL MARCH PARADE
Parade starts at 8:30 a.m. at YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center
The purpose of the parade is to offer the community a visual and audible display in tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2017 Parade route will stretch from the Tabernacle Baptist Church on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue to Greater Warner A.M.E. Church in Burlington.

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE SERVICE
Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church at 11:45 a.m. 
The MLK Memorial Tribute Service culminates the MLK Memorial Parade and will feature special Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Cavlin O. Butts, III, Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in the city of New York.

A NIGHT WITH THE ARTS TRIBUTE / KNOXVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Tennessee Theatre at 6 p.m.
This exciting program will be a fitting tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King's vision through a multi-faceted artistic presentation that includes some of our areas most gifted singers, actors, dancers, poets, and the MLK Holiday Celebration Choir.


MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the celebration please visit the MLK Commision website at www.MLKKnoxville.com.