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 "Embracing the Dream by Living with Purpose." 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 8

GALLERY OF ARTS TRIBUTE/OPENING CEREMONY
he Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission and the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville are partnering to bring you the annual Gallery of Arts Tribute, a juried exhibition developed to recognize local artists and honor the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE
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 14

LEADERSHIP EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
 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
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 15

COMMUNITY FORUM – OAK RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL PEACE ALLIANCE
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 16

YOUTH SYMPOSIUM
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 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 for future children and youth. The MLK Commission will once again present an oratorical contest concurrent with the breakout sessions for all school age students.

TEACHER IN-SERVICE TRAINING
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
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 18

MEMORIAL MARCH PARADE
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 2016 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
The MLK Memorial Tribute Service culminates the MLK Memorial Parade and will feature a special Keynote Speaker.

A NIGHT WITH THE ARTS TRIBUTE
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, the MLK Holiday Celebration Choir and more.

KNOXVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TRIBUTE
Celebration Concert In Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MORE INFORMATION

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