John R. Faison, Sr. speaks in Chapel kicking off MLK week at Belmont University

2024 MLK Celebration

Rise Up, Stand Firm, Speak Out

Dick DeMarsico, World Telegram staff photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The MLK Program

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Program was established in January of 1997 at Belmont University as a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events are held each January as part of the observance of Dr. King's birthday. Each of these events are open to the Belmont community and to the public. All are welcome and invited to attend.

POSTPONED/CANCELLATION NOTICE

** Belmont had several events planned to celebrate MLK Week. The below schedule has been modified to indicate postponed and canceled MLK Week Events.  

Saturday, January 13

MLK Joint Day of Service is an annual celebration of Dr. King’s legacy where students from students from all of Nashville’s colleges and universities come together to participate in service projects across the city – living out Dr. King’s dream of unity and hope.

This year’s theme is “It Starts with Me” and Vanderbilt University Distinguished Professor Michael Eric Dyson will give the keynote speech to send off the students.

Contact Person: Tim Stewart Service, Office of Service-Learning

Monday, January 15

 

Belmont's Black Student Association (BSA) will commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by leading a trip to Memphis, TN for students. The students will visit historic sites like the Lorraine Motel and the Underground Railroad Museum and explore the vibrant music & food scene on Beale Street. The trip to Memphis is an opportunity to educate, inspire and provide students with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for social justice. 

Contact Person: Black Students Association & the MLK Committee/Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Tuesday, January 16

Every Real Talk session has the motto, “if you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it.”

Real Talk welcomes open, frank and honest dialogue focusing on – but not limited to – diversity, equity and inclusion on Belmont’s campus, nationally and globally. This safe environment encourages transparent and respectful conversation in a safe and confidential environment.

This Real Talk session is for Faculty & Staff ONLY

Sponsored by: MLK Committee/Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Contact Person: Gary Hunter

Description: This panel will focus on how members of the local Jewish community participated and supported the African American community during the turbulent 1960’s as the Civil Rights movement overtook our nation and our city. Our panelists will share first-hand experiences and reflections on what it was like, as members of a religiously marginalized community, to offer encouragement to others who were also feeling the sting of oppression and marginalization.

WellCore credit in Cultural well-being is offered to all students in attendance.

Sponsored by: The Reverend Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership

Contact Person: Nick Baird-Chrisohon

Wednesday, January 17

Stay tuned for a new date TBD.

Dr. Candice Storey Lee is the vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director of Vanderbilt University – Vanderbilt’s first female Athletic Director and the first Black woman to head an SEC athletics program. A dynamic trailblazer, Dr. Lee will share her story of experiencing how God is building what Dr. King called “the Beloved Community.”

Musical selections by: Belmont’s BSA Choir.

Contact Persons: Dr. Todd L. Lake and Dr. D’Angelo Taylor

The community luncheon will also be rescheduled.

As continuation from the chapel keynote address, Dr. Candice Storey Lee will speak at a community luncheon hosted at Belmont. Dr. Lee is a dynamic trailblazer who is Vanderbilt’s first female Athletic Director and the first Black woman to head an SEC athletics program.

Sponsored by: Office of Faith-Based Engagement & Church Relations

Contact Person: Dr. Todd L. Lake

Thursday, January 18

Every Real Talk session has the motto, “if you are bold enough to bring it up, then we are bold enough to talk about it.”

Real Talk welcomes open, frank and honest dialogue focusing on – but not limited to – diversity, equity and inclusion on Belmont’s campus, nationally and globally. This safe environment encourages transparent and respectful conversation in a safe and confidential environment.

This Real Talk session is for Students ONLY

Sponsored by: MLK Committee/Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Contact Person: Gary Hunter

Friday, January 19

Existing in a hyperpolarized society where division can often be the norm, many of us struggle with what it means to belong – or even how to create spaces of belonging for others. Dr. D’Angelo Taylor, Inaugural Vice President of Hope, Unity, and Belonging, will examine the historical connection between the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. King’s legacy to modern efforts aimed at creating a culture of belongingness during times of uncertainty.

Music Selections by: Voxology

Sponsored by: The Office of Hope, Unity, and Belonging, MLK Committee/Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, and Office of Faith-Based Engagement & Church Relations

Contact Persons: Dr. Todd L. Lake and Dr. D’Angelo Taylor

light blue background with a red stripe surrounding navy text reading "MLK JK. MLK JR. COMMEMORATIVE WEEK”

MLK Week Committee Members

Chair: Dr. Bernard Turner

Committee Members: Nick Baird-Chrisohon, Amilya Bryant, Dr. Heather Finch, Gary Hunter, Dr. Todd Lake, Marcus Knight, Dr. Jon Roebuck, Caelyn Rolle, Joyce Searcy, Tim Stewart, Dr. D’Angelo Taylor, Benita Walker