Community members come together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a joyful parade.
Chattanooga is set to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a week-long series of events from January 13 to January 20, 2025. The festivities include discussions, educational actions, a prayer breakfast, a music extravaganza, and a Day of Service leading up to the annual parade. Community members are invited to participate in these meaningful events aimed at celebrating King’s legacy and promoting unity and service.
Chattanooga is gearing up for a week of heartfelt celebrations in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day from January 13 to January 20, 2025. With a lineup bursting with events that range from meaningful discussions to spirited parades, this celebration promises to be both an enlightening and an engaging experience for the community.
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. The observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day didn’t come easy—President Ronald Reagan formally recognized it as a federal holiday back in 1983, but the wheels started turning for this important day right after King’s tragic assassination in 1968. It took a long 15 years before it became a federal holiday, and another 17 years after that for all 50 states to recognize it. Notably, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday dedicated as a day of national service, encouraging everyone to roll up their sleeves and give back to the community.
This year’s festivities kick off on January 13 with a thought-provoking virtual presentation titled “Housing Justice and Anti-Displacement in Marginalized Communities,” led by Jecorey Arthur at 6 p.m. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage in critical social issues that deserve our attention.
The following day, January 14, is all about education with the “Stand for Public Schools (No to School Vouchers!) Day of Action.” Join community members at 6 p.m. to express your support for public education—an essential topic for the future of our children.
January 16 features the “We Must Unite to Save Our Youth!” event at 7 p.m., aimed at bringing community members together to discuss youth empowerment and strategies for better futures.
On January 17, attendees can look forward to a fascinating “Dialogue with Dr. James Small” at 6:30 p.m. This event promises to be an enriching discussion centered around the significant themes of King’s life and work.
Then, mark your calendars for January 18 as the Unity Group of Chattanooga hosts the annual prayer breakfast at 9 a.m. This gathering will feature Hilton Rawls III as the keynote speaker, creating a space for reflection and community spirit.
On January 19, the community can vibe along at a Gospel Music Extravaganza scheduled for 4 p.m. Prepare for an uplifting experience filled with soul-stirring music!
Finally, the heart of Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated on January 20 with a Day of Service. Activities kick off early with a virtual kickoff at 8:30 a.m. before diving into dedicated service projects from 9 a.m. to noon. Some exciting projects include a service opportunity for tree planting at Southside Community Park, along with a youth leadership symposium happening at the Chattanoogan Hotel at 10 a.m.
But wait, there’s more! Families can enjoy a free day at the Hunter Museum of American Art, featuring tons of family-friendly activities, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or bring the kids to the “Dreamer’s Day” at the Creative Discovery Museum, where activities related to King’s life will light up the day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The day culminates in style with the 55th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, starting at 1 p.m. from Miller Park. After the parade, a Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremony will take place at Olivet Baptist Church at 2 p.m., featuring Pastor Clay Holliday Jr. as the speaker. You won’t want to miss it!
This week of events in Chattanooga to honor Martin Luther King Jr. is not just a series of activities; it is an invitation for every citizen to come together as a community, reflect on our shared values, and carry forward King’s legacy. So, grab your friends and family, mark your calendars, and let’s come together to celebrate this uplifting week!
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