Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the third Monday of January each year. The holiday was established to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. King was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of a Baptist minister and grew up in a middle-class family.
As a young man, King was deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the principles of non-violent resistance. He became involved in the civil rights movement while studying at Morehouse College and later earned a Ph.D. in theology from Boston University. King’s activism and leadership were crucial in the efforts to end segregation and discrimination against African Americans in the United States.
King worked tirelessly to promote civil rights and equality, and his powerful speeches and non-violent protests helped to bring about significant changes in laws and attitudes towards race in America. Despite facing significant challenges and dangers, King remained committed to his cause. He was arrested numerous times and was even the target of assassination attempts. However, he refused to be discouraged and continued to fight for justice and equality. On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had gone to support a strike by sanitation workers. His death sent shock-waves around the world and sparked widespread outrage and grief.
In the years following King’s death, there were efforts to establish a national holiday to honor his memory. In 1979, a bill was introduced in Congress to create a holiday honoring King, but it was not signed into law until 1986. The holiday was first observed on January 20, 1986, and was later moved to the third Monday of January as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Listed here are a few of the local events honoring the legacy of Dr. King.
Ongoing
The Civil Rights Collection
The Civil Rights Collection at the Nashville Public Library features black and 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.
JANUARY 17
Labor and Human Rights Breakfast
Friday, Jan 17, 7:30 am-10:00 am
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. The breakfast will be hosted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and organized by the Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, in collaboration with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. The keynote speaker will be Rep. Harold Love, Jr., and A.J. Starling will be receiving the William ‘Bill’ Lucy Award. Scarritt Bennett Conference Center.
January 18
Youth Symposium/Intergenerational Panel
Saturday, January 18, 9 am–3 pm
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 Tenn. and 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. Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet High School, 613 17th Ave N, Nashville, Tenn. 37203
January 19
MLK: Celebration in Song with Mickey Guyton
Sunday, January 19, 7:30 pm
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. At this time the concert is fully reserved. Schermerhorn Symphony Center
January 19
Worship Service
Sunday, January 19, 3 pm
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. The guest preacher for the event will be Bishop Aaron X. Marble, IF President and Senior Pastor of Jefferson Street Baptist Church. First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill
January 20
MLK Day Day Pre-Convocation Youth Rally, March, & Convocation
Monday, Jan 20th, 9 am-12:30 pm
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). Tennessee State University, Gentry Center
January 25
MLK Joint Day of Service
Saturday, January 25, 11 am–4 pm
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.
