2021 MLK Celebration

A Legacy of Uplift

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 and all are welcome and invited to attend. Events each year include a candlelight vigil in commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement, a chapel service, and a campus dialogue on diversity, race and ethnicity.

Watch the 2021 MLK Week Uplift Luncheon

Friday, January 15

• Uplift Luncheon
  01-15-2021 | 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM | Gabhart LobbyRegister

  The campus community is invited to watch a MLK Celebration video where various MLK sermons, speeches and quotes will be shared by members of the Belmont community. Lunch will be provided for those faculty & staff that RSVP.

  Participants will be asked to RSVP for the event so enough lunches can be ordered.

Visual Art Display

• What MLK Means to Me
  01-18-2021 | Bunch Library, Massey, JAAC, Johnson, Harrington Place Dining & Freeman

  The reflection postcards will be distributed Jan. 11-15 for faculty, staff and students. Members of the campus community will be able to return their intentions to various locations and they will put on a bulletin board for display.

Monday, January 18

• A Day of Service & Reflection
  01-18-2021 | All Day | Gabhart Lobby

  Book Drive

  In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s scholarly endeavors the campus community is asked to donate books for children K-12. Members of the campus community can donate books for children k-12. Books will be donated to the Pencil foundation & other local charities. There will be 1 collection box in the Gabhart lobby and if need be Bridges to Belmont will offer pick-up services for donations.

  City-Wide Community Service

  Details can be found via Get Connected

  1:00 - 1:30 PM Welcome Video Featuring College and University Leaders, Brief Keynote featuring Dr. James Hildreth, President of Meharry Medical College, Member of FDA COVID-19 Advisory Task Force
  1:30 - 2:30 PM Letter Writing Project with Greater Nashville Regional Council, Creative Ideas Project with Turnip Green Creative Reuse
  2:30 - 3:00 PM Reflection Activity

• Memorial Dedication — Freedom Plaza
  01-18-2021 | 10:00 AM | Virtual
  Join us on the Belmont University YouTube channel for a special online dedication ceremony.
• Annual Candlelight Vigil
  01-18-2021 | 7:00 PM | Gabhart Student Center

  WellCore Event – Sponsored by BSA

  Prior to the event participants will have the opportunity to pick-up a vigil celebration packet in the Gabhart Student Center that will include; a candle; pecan tartlet in recognition of MLKs love of pecan pie and details about the vigil.

  Information can be accessed through Blackboard

Tuesday, January 19

• MLK Presentation with Jemar Tisby for Faculty and Staff
  01-19-2021 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | VirtualRegister
• National Day of Racial Healing
  01-19-2021 | 2:00 PM | VirtualRegister

  Many people would like to talk about the impact of racism—and the need for racial healing—but don’t know where to start. Over the past five years, many have found creative ways to engage in honest, powerful and moving conversations and experiences to build relationships and lay the groundwork for racial healing.
  
  With this day, our goal is to bridge divides, affirm our common humanity and together, create more just and equitable communities.

  Host: Baratunde Thurston
  Also featuring: John Legend, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Hasan Minhaj, Maria Hinojosa, Aloe Blacc, Storm Reid and more.

  To RSVP, find other virtual events hosted by organizations near you, and download action kits to bring racial healing to your community, click the registration button above.

• Racial Justice at Work – Reading Groups
  01-19-2021 | VirtualRegister
  Are you interested in learning more about racial justice and how you can play a part in making the world a better place? Registar through our link above.
• MLK Chapel with Jemar Tisby for Students
  01-19-2021 | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Virtual - Blackboard

  WellCore Event 

  Information can be accessed through Blackboard

Wednesday, January 20

• Teaching Center Lunch & Learn - "Antiracism Concepts for Enhancing Teaching and Student Learning"
  01-20-2021 | 12:00 PM | VirtualRegister
• Student Real Talk with Gary Hunter
  01-20-2021 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | VirtualRegister

  Wellcore Event

Thursday, January 21

• The Clash of Race & Sports with Andrew Maraniss
  01-21-2021 | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | Virtual

  WellCore Event

  Information can be accessed through Blackboard

Friday, January 22

• Faculty/Staff Real Talk
  01-22-2021 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | VirtualRegister