MLK Day 2023 is "A Day On, Not A Day Off!"
MLK Day is right around the corner and once again, Chattanooga stays true to the mission of making it “a day on, not a day off.” This Day of Service is an opportunity to channel Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy into community action. We’ve gathered a list of events leading up to Chattanooga’s 53rd celebration of the civil rights leader.
Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Thursday, January 12: Introduction of the Community Haven Patrol
Community Haven is rolling out its City of Chattanooga Violence Reduction Initiative. Learn about the Community Haven Patrol with Kevin Muhammed at 6:00 p.m. at Community Haven’s headquarters.
Friday, January 13: “The Silent Murders” Panel Discussion
Concerned Citizens for Justice is facilitating a panel discussion at 7:00 p.m. at Eastdale Village Community UMC.
Saturday, January 14: “Dr. King, the Purpose of Education, and Why Retention is Punishment”
Tune in to a Zoom presentation led by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP at 6:00 p.m. For the Zoom link, click here.
Sunday, January 15: MLK Week Gospel Exravaganza
Come enjoy a night of gospel music at Bethel AME Church, led by Sister Willie McClendon. The service starts at 4:00 p.m.
Monday, January 16: City of Chattanooga MLK Day of Service
Join the City of Chattanooga in celebrating MLK Day through service to the community. This year’s theme is “United We Serve.” A virtual kickoff will take place on Facebook Live from the City of Chattanooga Facebook page at 8:00 a.m. All service projects will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The deadline for volunteer registration is Thursday, January 12, 2023. Click here to register.
Monday, January 16: 3rd Annual MLK Day Youth Leadership Symposium
The Urban League of Chattanooga invites students ages 12+ to explore historical and current social justice matters through games, speakers, debate, and fun at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event will creatively engage youth in learning about building community through racial, economic, and environmental justice. The doors open at 9:30 a.m. Click here to register.
Monday, January 16: 53rd Annual MLK Day Parade and March
Join the community and the Unity Group of Chattanooga for the Annual MLK Day Parade and March! Lineup begins at 1:00 p.m. along Georgia Avenue beside Miller Park. The march will proceed down MLK Boulevard and conclude at Peeples Street.
The Unity Group of Chattanooga is a community organization that focuses on social justice issues within the City of Chattanooga. They were first organized in 1969 to help elect Black candidates for positions within the local government. In 1970, they initiated Chattanooga’s first MLK Day march.
Chattanooga Times Free Press staff file photo
Monday, January 16: MLK Day Main Program
After the parade, head over to the MLK Day Main Program at Olivet Baptist Church led by Pastor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. The program starts at 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Bryant is a speaker, as well as a social justice activist. Prior to pastoring, he served as the national youth and college director of the NAACP for six years, leading about 70,000 young people worldwide on non-violent campaigns.
Tuesday, January 24: Dr. Angela Davis at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Dr. Angela Davis will deliver the keynote speech at UTC’s MLK Day 2023 celebration. Angela Davis is a prominent author, activist, philosopher, and public speaker. A theme in her most recent work is has been the social problems associated with incarceration and the criminalization of communities that are most affected by poverty and racial discrimination. This event will take place at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall at 12:30 p.m. For details and registration, click here.
Save the Date: The National Black Market on March 18
Coming soon to Chattanooga! The National Black Market, powered by The Nashville Black Market, empowers Black businesses and entrepreneurs. Come network, eat, dance, and shop at the First Horizon Pavilion on March 18. Vendors wanted! Click here for more information.
Don’t miss these events! We are so thankful for the organizations and individuals who are working hard to create a stronger, more inclusive Chattanooga for all. Lift up your fellow Chattanoogans as we honor Dr. King’s legacy of service, love, and action.
Esther Lovingood
Communication & Program Coordinator