2025 Event Schedule

Update Jan 9, 2025: This event will be virtual only. Please join us on Zoom at the link below, or watch it livestream on Scarritt Bennett Center’s Facebook page.

In celebration of the 2025 MLK Day theme, “40 Years of Legacy: Marching Forward, United in Justice and Peace,” this panel will spotlight the often-overlooked voices of Black women in the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF). While the image of Black men in dark suits may come to mind when we think of IMF and Black clergy, the legacy of Black women in ministry is equally vital. From the time our ancestors were brought to this land, Black women have faithfully preached, taught, and provided spiritual leadership in their communities.

Join us as we engage with women clergy members of IMF to explore the historic and ongoing role of Black women in ministry, their contributions to the IMF, and their unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and faith. This conversation will honor their legacy and highlight the ways in which they continue to lead, inspire, and empower within the church and beyond.

Join us as our community comes together to pay homage to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his fight for social justice and civil rights. We will create banners for your group or organization to display and walk with during the march!

Our 2025 theme is: 40 Years of Legacy: Marching Forward, United in Justice and Peace.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nashville MLK Day events.

Please sign up your group or organization to help us keep track of all our participating members for the march.

We are excited to be partnering with Turnip Green Creative Reuse to provide banner materials and supplies to all our community banner day participants!

The IMF Gala proudly supports the IMF Community Fund Education Reserve, which is dedicated to fostering future leaders to champion social justice advocacy. These opportunities are specifically designed for current and potential attendees of Nashville’s esteemed Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Tennessee State University, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and American Baptist College. By investing in these students, the IMF Education Fund empowers the next generation of advocates and changemakers committed to advancing equity and justice in their communities.

EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICE $100.00 – through November 5, 2024

Ticket Price $150.00 – Nov 6, 2024 – Jan 13, 2025 Sold Out!

The 2025 MLK Day Labor & Human Rights Breakfast is hosted by the IMF and organized by the the Central Labor Council of Nashville & Middle TN and the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. The Labor & Human Rights Breakfast will take place Friday, January 17 at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, TN. Doors open at 7:30am with the event program taking place from 8:00am – 10:00am CST.

The Labor & Human Rights Breakfast honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as labor & human rights advocate and discusses the intersection of labor, faith and civil rights. Previous featured speakers of the breakfast include Andrew Young, Gloria Sweet-Love, and Rev. Darryl G. Gray.

The 2024 Labor & Human Rights Breakfast will feature Keynote Speaker, Rep. Harold Love Jr. The program will also include the inaugural presentation of the Willliam “Bill” Lucy Award.

Admission Price: $15.00

Every year, the city of Nashville and the organizations that support equity, justice and the wellbeing of all residents come together to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr.  We invite you to join us!

Snapshot of the day:

• Family Breakfast
• Intergenerational Panel
• Workshop 1
• Workshop 2
• Lunch
• Building Community
• Vibe Sesh

 Workshop options:

• Climate Justice – Sunrise Hillsboro
• Youth Organizer Training
• Words as Power – Southern Word
• Coding and Community
• Listen to the Past – Talks with Civil Rights Leaders

We will provide breakfast, snacks and lunch!

Parents please be aware that you need to sign in your student at the beginning of the day! You are more than welcome to participate in our workshops and programming!

A panel of intergenerational leaders will discuss how activism, knowledge, opportunities and messaging has influenced their advocacy. They will share their perspectives on past, present and future issues and activism.

Beverly Watts, Moderator
Retired – TN & KY Human Rights Commissions

Panelists

Jacob Aparicio, Communication Director
TN Human Rights Commission

Erin Armstrong, President
TN State University Student Government Association

Christine Tran
Founder, Asian Youth Club and member of MNPS School Board

Bishop Aaron X. Marble
Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church

Tabitha Mundy
Entrepreneur

Christine Tran, Student Board Member
Metro Nashville Public School

Attention Nashville youth and college students! Join us for an amazing youth-led, uplifting experience filled with vibrant worship, energetic liturgical dance, and a powerful message brought to you by youth and young adults in the city of Nashville!

We need you, your friends, choir members and dancers! We need enthusiastic youth and young adults, 21 and under, to participate in our city-wide choir and dance teams. This is a great opportunity to share your gits and talents and help lead the congregation in Worship. Your contribution will truly make this service special and memorable.

Rehearsal Schedule:

Choir Rehearsals:

• 01/11/2025 @ 12:00pm
• 01/18/2025 @ 4:00pm

Please click the link below to sign up.

Let’s all come together to create an unforgettable, life changing Worship experience!

Join us for the 2025 Nashville MLK Day Pre-Convocation Rally on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. at Jefferson Street Baptist Church, located at 2708 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208. This inspiring gathering will set the tone for a day of unity and reflection as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy. Experience a morning filled with powerful speeches, uplifting music, and a shared commitment to social justice and equality. Come together with community leaders, activists, and neighbors as we prepare to celebrate and continue the work of Dr. King. All are welcome!

The annual Nashville MLK Day March to Jefferson will take place at 9:00 AM, beginning at Jefferson Street Baptist Church. Participants will gather to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and proceed together down 28th Avenue North. The march will culminate at Tennessee State University’s Gentry Center, serving as a powerful display of unity, reflection, and commitment to Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice. This meaningful procession invites the entire community to walk in solidarity, commemorating the enduring impact of the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.

Join Us in Celebrating 40 Years of Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Nashville!

The Martin Luther King Day celebration in Nashville, hosted by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF), is the city’s largest and most impactful event dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For 40 years, this celebration has highlighted Dr. King’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement and the significant role his message has played in inspiring local activism throughout our city.

In 2025, we mark this milestone anniversary with the theme: “40 Years of Legacy: Marching Forward, United in Justice & Peace.” Join us for a memorable Week of Events, concluding with our traditional Youth Rally, the historic Commemorative March, and the Annual Convocation.