Since 1982, the
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission has organized 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 MLK celebration runs from Jan. 15, 2020 to Jan. 20, 2020 and consists of the theme of "Let Freedom Ring: Through Social Justice, Economic Empowerment, Love, Peace, and Unity."
EVENT SCHEDULE
Learn more about each event at http://www.mlkknoxville.com.
Friday, January 3
5:00pm – 9:00pm
GALLERY OF ARTS TRIBUTE
Emporium Center/ Arts & Culture Alliance
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 15
12:00pm – 1:00pm
INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE
Community Evangelistic Church
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 16
8:30am – 11:30am
LEADERSHIP EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
Rothchild Catering Center
A highlight of the MLK Celebration is the annual leadership symposium providing a forum for dialogue and exchange of information about social justice issues and economic empowerment
Thursday, January 16
12:00pm – 2:00pm
LEADERSHIP/AWARDS LUNCHEON
Rothchild Catering Center
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 a special Keynote Speaker.
Friday, January 17
7:00pm – 8:30pm
COMMUNITY FORUM – OAK RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL
PEACE ALLIANCE
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
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 18
8:30am – 2:00pm
YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
Austin-East High School
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.
Saturday, January 18
8:30am – 2:00pm
TEACHER IN-SERVICE TRAINING
Sarah Simpson Professional Development Technology Ctr
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.
Saturday, January 18
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Y.W.C.A. RACE AGAINST RACISM
Phyllis Wheatley Center
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.
Sunday, January 19
6:00pm – 8:00pm
A NIGHT WITH THE ARTS TRIBUTE / KNOXVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CARPET BAG THEATRE
Tennessee Theatre
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.
Monday, January 20
8:30am (Line-Up)
10:00am – 11:30am
MEMORIAL MARCH PARADE
Parade starts at Chilhowee Park Midway entrance, 3300 E. Magnolia Ave.
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 Parade route will stretch from Chilhowee Park – Midway Entrance on N. Beaman Street to the Overcoming Believers Church on Harriet Tubman Street.
Monday, January 20
12:00pm – 2:00pm
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE SERVICE
Overcoming Believers Church
The MLK Memorial Tribute Service culminates the MLK Memorial Parade and will feature a special Keynote Speaker.