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Knoxville Launches 43rd Annual King Week Celebration

Community gathering during the King Week festivities in Knoxville, celebrating Dr. King's legacy.

News Summary

Knoxville is set to celebrate its 43rd annual King Week in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The week includes a variety of events aimed at fostering unity and empowerment within the community. The festivities kick off with the Gallery of Arts Tribute on January 3 and culminate with several programs between January 16-20. This year’s theme is ‘Beyond the Dream: Empowering the Beloved Communities,’ highlighting the ongoing need for social justice and community engagement.

Knoxville Kicks Off 43rd Annual King Week Celebration with Exciting Events

It’s that time of year again in Knoxville as the city prepares to celebrate the 43rd annual King Week leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day! This fantastic event is all about honoring the incredible legacy of Dr. King and bringing the community together in a spirit of unity and empowerment.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has been dedicated to commemorating Dr. King since 1982, a year before the holiday was officially recognized federally. This year, the celebration features the theme “Beyond the Dream: Empowering the Beloved Communities,” reminding us all of the work still needed to create a just world for everyone.

Kickoff Events Ahead of King Week

The festivities are getting underway even before King Week officially starts! On January 3, the Gallery of Arts Tribute opens its doors at The Emporium, located at 100 S. Gay St. This exciting gallery will run from 5-9 p.m. and showcase around 40 to 50 stunning pieces of fine art. You can also enjoy live entertainment while sipping on complimentary refreshments. What a charming way to get involved in the celebration!

The gallery exhibit will continue to be open for viewing until January 31, so be sure to stop by if you can.

A Week Packed with Events

King Week is the largest celebration in East Tennessee, featuring an extensive schedule of eight wonderful programs happening from January 16 to January 20. Here’s what’s lined up:

January 15: Interfaith Prayer Service at Church Street United Methodist, 900 Henley St., starting at Noon.
January 16:
- Leadership Educational Symposium at the University of Tennessee Student Union, 1502 Cumberland Ave., from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
- Thomas “Tank” Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon (sold out) from Noon-2 p.m.
January 17: Community forum at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, 1927 Dandridge Ave., at 7 p.m.
January 18: Youth Symposium at Austin East High School, 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
January 19: Night with the Arts Tribute at Community Evangelistic Church, 2650 Boyds Bridge Pike, from 6-8 p.m.
January 20: MLK Memorial Tribute Service at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman St., from Noon-2 p.m.

The admission to all of these events is free, which is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to participate and learn more about Dr. King’s vital message. Just note that the Leadership Awards Luncheon is sold out, but there are plenty of other great activities to enjoy!

Keynote Speaker and Educational Opportunities

One of the standout events is the sold-out Thomas “Tank” Strickland Leadership Awards Luncheon, where attendees will hear from Nzinga “Zing” Shaw, a well-respected speaker in the realm of diversity and inclusion. Shaw, who is also an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business, will inspire guests with her address on the importance of leadership in cultivating empowered communities.

Looking Forward to King Week

Everyone is encouraged to get involved and experience the power of community during King Week. Each event aims to honor Dr. King’s legacy and provoke thought about how we can empower one another to create a more beloved and united community.

If you’re looking for more in-depth information about the week’s festivities, you can check out the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission website at mlkknox.org. With so many engaging activities planned, King Week promises to be a heartwarming and empowering experience for all!