How Nashville will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year

Vanderbilt professor Michael Eric Dyson, a nationally renowned author, minister and political commentator, will deliver a keynote speech in Nashville on Monday — Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

His speech will highlight more than a week of celebrations and remembrances of King, one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement. King was assassinated in 1968.

At Vanderbilt, Dyson, a professor of ethics and society, teaches African American and Diaspora Studies. His Monday presentation is titled "Protecting the Dream: Confronting the Assaults." The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Gentry Center, located at 3645 Dr. Walter S. Davis Blvd.

Here is a list of Nashville-area events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Know of an event that's not on our list? Email cshoup@tennessean.com.

Jan. 12

Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship Gala

6 p.m. at Cal Turner Center, 1011 21st Ave. N.

The black tie event is the first gala benefiting the IMF education fund, designed to support students with the financial burden of higher education. The group is raising funds to provide scholarships to students attending historically Black colleges and universities. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/imf-2023-nashville-mlk-day-black-tie-gala-tickets-491905521657

Q&A: Author explores Martin Luther King Jr.'s truth-telling and what it means for today

Jan. 13

Labor/human rights breakfast

8 a.m. 1027 18th Ave. S.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-laborhuman-rights-breakfast-tickets-492730549337.

Fair housing discussion

5-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church Capitol Hill, 900 Nelson Merry St.

Karen Bishop Morris will lead a discussion about the 55-year journey of fair housing.

While much of King's legacy is tied to jobs and voting, far less has been said about his role leading up to the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act. This event will reveal King’s vision for desegregated housing, as well as review the complex path to legislation that is still debated for its inherent restrictions and challenges.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-thousand-mile-journey-55-years-of-fair-housing-history-and-hope-tickets-492722254527.

Related:Judge on Williamson parents lawsuit: 'Does not even come close' to critical race theory

Jan. 14

Youth symposium

9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Scarritt Bennett Center — Laskey Hall, 1027 18th Ave. S.

Multiple workshops will be held at the event, featuring arts in the movement, generational wealth, microaggressions and social media. The event will feature opening remarks from Adrienne Battle, the director of schools for the Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Cheryl Mayes, the chair of the MLK Day Youth Committee.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-youth-symposium-tickets-492733969567.

Jan. 15

Women of Faith panel

4 p.m. at Scarritt Bennett Center — Harambee Auditorium, 1027 18th Ave. S.

Panelists include the Revs. Lisa Hammonds, Ingrid McIntyre and Jennifer Bailey, as well as Councilwoman-at-large Zulfat Suara.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlk-day-women-of-faith-panel-tickets-492743267377.

Jan. 16

Youth book drive

7 a.m.-2 p.m., Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church, 2708 Jefferson St.

Middle and high school students can receive new or used books focused on diversity and equity and the legacy of King. From 8-9 a.m., there will be a youth rally at the church. Guest speakers include Nashville Mayor John Cooper.

Following the rally, there will be a march from Jefferson Street to Tennessee State University's Gentry Center; a 10 a.m. convocation will follow, with Vanderbilt professor Michael Eric Dyson's keynote speech.

Let Freedom Sing concert

7 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 1 Symphony Place

The Nashville Symphony's annual concert will honor the life and legacy of King and the civil rights movement. The free concert will feature classical works and popular songs.

The concert is pay-what-you-can.

Ticket reservations can be made at https://nashvillesymphony.wufoo.com/forms/zg26kte0ogzjpz/.

MLK commemorative event

6:30-8 p.m. at Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music’s Ingram Hall.

Emmy winning journalist Byron Pitts will be the keynote speaker. This year's theme is "It Starts With Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems."

Jan. 18

Infinite Hope with Kevin Cosby at JAAC Chapel

10 a.m., 1501 Wedgewood Ave.

Kevin Cosby will speak about how society can realize infinite hope, a concept pioneered by King amid the reality of oppression and injustice.

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Where to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day across Nashville