On May 4, 1964, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech at Fisk University on the Nashville Student Movement’s lunch counter sit-ins. Before his speech, 70 Black students had picketed outside Morrison’s Cafeteria on West End Avenue. “You have moved in a uniquely moving orbit of creative protest,” he told the more than 2,000 attendees. “Nashville, the Athens of the South, must make a stride into freedom.”
King praised Nashville for leading one of “the best organized and the most disciplined [sit-in movements] in the Southland.” His leadership during the Civil Rights Movement spearheaded desegregation in Nashville and across the South.
Jan. 19 is MLK Day. Here are ways to celebrate and honor his legacy here in Nashville.
Jan. 17, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Students can create banners, attend workshops, and listen to speakers exploring King’s legacy at this free symposium at Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School.
Jan. 19, 8-9 a.m.
This free, public youth rally at Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church will feature music, empowering speeches, and discussions. Afterwards, youth can attend the MLK Day march.
Jan. 19, 9-9:30 a.m. & 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
March along Jefferson Street with students and folks from across Nashville, then attend a public convocation at Tennessee State University with speaker Senator London Lamar. Gallatin is also hosting a march.
Jan. 19, Noon-5 p.m.
The National Museum of African American Music is celebrating its fifth anniversary and MLK Day with free gallery admission and special programming examining King’s legacy through the history of Black music.
Jan. 20, 1-2:15 p.m.
The James Lawson Institute at Vanderbilt University is moderating a roundtable discussion of King’s radical politics using selections from “The Radical King.” It’s free and open to the public.
Jan. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Local college and university students are invited to meet at Tennessee State University to join groups volunteering across Nashville. Not a college student? You can still have a day of service! Check out our list of ways to volunteer in Nashville.
Take a self-led walking and driving tour of places central to the Civil Rights Movement in Nashville, from local schools that were among the first to desegregate, to buildings where activists led sit-ins.
