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. 


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Friday, January 5, 2018

GALLERY OF ARTS TRIBUTE
Emporium Center/ Arts & Culture Alliance at 5-9 p.m.
The MLK Gallery of Arts Tribute will kick-off the 2018 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 10, 2018

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE
Mount Zion Baptist 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 11, 2018

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.

Friday, January 12, 2018

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 13, 2018

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 15, 2018

MEMORIAL MARCH PARADE
Line-up will be at 8:30AM. Step-off will be at 10:00AM from the Midway Chilhowee Park, 3300 E. Magnolia Avenue.
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. 

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE SERVICE 
Overcoming Beleivers Church at 11:45 a.m. 
The MLK Memorial Tribute Service culminates the MLK Memorial Parade and will feature special Keynote Speaker.

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.