Welcome to MLK Week 2008!


MLK Week 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 a part of the observance of Dr. King's birthday.

All these events are open to the Belmont Community and the general public. We hope you will participate.

Schedule of Events 


Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2008


“United/Divided By Faith”
  Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Our Journey: A Black History Pageant"
Playwright: Michael Walker

"Our Journey" is a celebration of Black History that combines poetry, song, dance, and drama. The timeline begins with the civilizations of ancient Africa and runs through the late 1960's. This performance will be directed by Crystal Jones, BA in Theater & Arts, with performances by members of the Black Student Association and the Belmont Theater Program.

Harton Hall: 10 AM
Culture & Arts Convocation

Friday, January 18, 2008
"A Christian's Perspective of Race"
Al Allen

Alaric (Al) Allen who graduated from Belmont was an outstanding basketball player and holds several school records. After graduating he began a career in mortgage banking. About three years ago, he and his wife Jude began working in inner-city ministry and he has served as the development director for Family Affair Ministries. There is also now a position created by Al at Franklin American as the urban development director. Al is also the Executive Director of Pass the Salt, a marketplace ministry. This ministry encourages Christians to be Jesus in their jobs, offering prayer, forgiveness and love for those who are hurting in their circle of influence. He has published two books: A Father's Epistles and The Salt Journal.

Neely Dining Room: 10 AM
Christian Faith Development Convocation


Wednesday, January 23, 2008
 "Race Matters"
Dr. Lucius Outlaw, Jr.

A discussion of racial matters in socio-political life, and in legacies and practices of European and Euro-American Philosophy presented by Dr. Lucius Outlaw, Jr., Professor of Philosophy and Director of African American Studies Program at Vanderbilt University.

Neely Dining Hall: 10 AM
Personal & Professional Growth Convocation


“4th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Service”

Brandon Maxwell and Scott Claybrook will serve as leaders of this student led worship service featuring Belmont groups.

Massey Performing Arts Center: 7 PM
Christian Faith Development Convocation



Thursday January 24, 2008
“Race and Religion in Nashville" Moderated by Dr. Renita J. Weems


A panel discussion about the challenges for United churches in Nashville. Area ministers will share their experiences with diversity in their churches and their work with the community at large.
Panelists include:
Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crowder, Belmont University
Rev. William Crowder, New Covenant Christian Church
Rev. Jay Hartley, Eastwood Christian Community Church
Rev. Bruce Maxwell, Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Amy Mears, Glendale Baptist Church
Rev. Joanna Robertson, Ebenezer Community Church
Rev. Jay Vorhees, Antioch United Methodist Church

Multimedia Hall: 7 PM
Christian Faith Development Convocation


Friday, January 25, 2008
Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Address
“United/Divided by Faith”
Dr. Renita J. Weems

Dr. Renita J. Weems is a nationally-renowned theologian and an ordained elder in the African Methodist Church whose scholarly insights into modern faith, biblical texts, and the role of spirituality in everyday lives have made her a much sought after author and speaker. Dr. Weems, formerly a member of the faculty of Vanderbilt University and Spellman College, has been celebrated by Ebony Magazine as one of America's top 15 preachers. She is founder of Something Within, a consulting service providing guidance for women of faith interested in connecting with their inner wisdom as well as interested in balancing faith and work, and their values with their vocation.

Massey Performing Arts Center: 10 AM
Christian Faith Development Convocation


Saturday, January 26, 2008
MLK Bus trip to Atlanta

Visit the Civil Rights sties in Atlanta. Bond with fellow students on the bus trip. Students must make application for this trip. Applications will be available in PDB 100 beginning January 8. A $5.00 non-refundable deposit is required with the application. This is due by January 21. We will depart from the Circle driveway in front of Wheeler at 6 AM returning on or before 8 PM on the same day. Total cost for the event is $10. Remaining $5 must be paid when you board the bus on Saturday morning. See the attached file for more information on the MLK Bus Trip.

Board Bus lower Circle by Wheeler: 6 AM
Culture & Arts Convocation


Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - Thursday, January 31, 2008  
Belmont And Diversity (B.A.D.)

Talk with others about important issues at Belmont. Build new friendships among diverse people. Find common ground for solutions and action. Create new ideas for lasting community change. Participants will be assigned to attend one night out of the three that this event is offered (will ONLY attend one night). Must apply to attend. Application deadline is Thursday, January 24, 2008. Applications will be available in PDB 100, or can be downloaded from this web site. Contact Mary Godwin at x6806 or godwinm@mail.belmont.edu for more information. A snack will be provided.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 - Beaman Meeting Room A
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - CAC Dean's Conference Room - Wheeler 1st floor
Thursday, January 31, 2008 - Beaman Meeting Room A


Open to all members of the Belmont Community!!!
Note: You only sign up for ONE of the above dates - not all three!!

Personal & Professional Growth Convocation 

There will be Sign up Tables in the Cafeteria for B.A.D. on the Following Dates:

January 25, 27, 22, and 24
(You must sign-up in advance to attend B.A.D.)

Click for B.A.D. Registration Form 

Other MLK presentations will be given as a part of regularly schedule Belmont Classes. Click here for link to these classes