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.
2026 MLK Joint Day of Service
Participate in our Martin Luther King Day of Service to celebrate Dr. King's vision of service and justice. Together, we can create meaningful change through hands-on projects that uplift our community. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact—sign up now!
![Dick DeMarsico, World Telegram staff photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](_images/martin-luther-king-jr.jpeg)
"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."
MLK Week of Events
MLK Week Featured Film | 5:30 p.m. | 1890 Theatre
4 Little Girls
On September 15, 1963, a bomb destroyed a black church in Birmingham, Alabama, killing four young girls who were there for Sunday school. It was a crime that shocked the nation--and a defining moment in the history of the civil-rights movement. Spike Lee re-examines the full story of the bombing, including a revealing interview with former Alabama Governor George Wallace.
MLK Week Chapel Service | 10:00 a.m. | JAAC Chapel
Keynote Speaker – Rev. Dr. Mika Edmondson
Rev. Dr. Mika Edmondson serves as the Pastor of Koinonia, a gospel-centered, cross-cultural church launched in 2020 with a heart to reflect the beauty and diversity of God’s kingdom. A respected biblical scholar, Rev. Dr. Edmondson earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology from Calvin Theological Seminary, becoming the first African American to do so. He is the author of The Power of Unearned Suffering, a book that explores the roots and implications of Martin Luther King Jr.’s theology of suffering. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from Hampton University. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor and continues to write and speak widely on theology, justice, discipleship, and the church’s public witness.
The Common Threads of Division – A Panel Discussion | 11:00 a.m. | McWhorter 110
Topic for Discussion: A look at the rise of antisemitic and racist attitudes, thoughts, and behavior in modern-day America with added historical perspectives from the Civil Rights era. This panel discussion will feature members of the Jewish and African American communities representing multiple generations.
2026 MLK Joint Day of Service | 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Kean Hall (on the campus of Tennessee State University)
Join Nashville college students, faculty, and staff in honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. King in a day of learning, action, and reflection. The Equity Alliance will be facilitating this year's program in the morning. Participants will then go out into the community to serve at over 20 service sites around the city! Pizza and t-shirts provided (while supplies last). Bus transportation will be provided to/from Belmont and to/from service sites. Registration opens Jan 5th!
MLK Week Committee Members
Chair: Dr. D'Angelo Taylor
Committee Members: Nick Baird-Chrisohon, Dr. Layla Bonner, Essence Collins, Dr. Heather Finch, Esther Gitimu, Dr. Todd Lake, Dr. Jon Roebuck, Joyce Searcy, Tim Stewart, Dr. Bernard Turner, Benita Walker