2025 MLK Commemorative Series
2025 MLK Commemorative Event Series
Vanderbilt’s annual MLK Commemorative Event Series celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., offering opportunities to reflect, engage, and take action. These events highlight the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s vision and bring together our campus and the greater Nashville community to honor his impact on justice, equity, and community.
2025 MLK Event Schedule
The MLK Commemorative Speaker Event
Join us for a powerful evening with filmmakers Karen Hayes and Pamela Tom as they discuss their film “A Better Way: James Lawson, Architect of Nonviolence.” Through select clips, they’ll share insights into the filmmaking process, their time with Dr. James Lawson, and the impact of his work in the broader justice movement. The event will be emceed by Dr. Phillis Sheppard, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Executive Director of the James Lawson Institute for the Research and Study of Nonviolent Movements, offering an engaging conversation on the legacy of nonviolence and its relevance today. This special program will kick off Vanderbilt’s 2025 MLK Commemorative series. Don’t miss this meaningful celebration of justice and leadership!
Date: Wednesday, January 15
Time: 5 – 6:15 p.m.
Location: Sarratt Cinema
40th Annual Nashville MLK March & Convocation
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take part in the 2025 Nashville MLK Day March and Convocation, celebrating 40 years of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Nashville!
Transportation will be available, and Vanderbilt attendees who register to attend will receive a free MLK Day hoodie. Vanderbilt community members will march together with members of the greater Nashville community from the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to the TSU Gentry Center.
- Date: Monday, January 20
- Details:
- Check-in and hoodie distribution begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Sarratt Gallery and Commons Center Lobby. Buses depart from these locations at 8:15 a.m.
- The march will last from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. along Jefferson Street, with convocation taking place within the TSU Gentry Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. featuring keynote speaker, renowned author and professor Dr. Daniel Black.
- Register for the march + breakfast in the Sarratt Gallery>>>
- Register for the march + breakfast at The Commons Center>>>
- Register to volunteer using the Anchor Link form (for staff/faculty only)
This event is open to all members of the Vanderbilt community. While bus transportation will prioritize students, all are welcome to join us for this special event.
Students will receive credit toward their VandyPASS (Equity & Inclusion).
MLK Joint Day of Service
The MLK Joint Day of Service is an annual celebration of Dr. King’s legacy. On Saturday, Jan. 25, students from all of Nashville’s colleges and universities will come together at Meharry Medical College for a kickoff event and then volunteer at community service projects across the city.
- Date: Saturday, January 25
- Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Registration Form
Students: Participation counts toward Commons and College Cup points.
Additional MLK Day 2025 Events
SMC MLK Week of Service: Lunch Talk
- Date: Monday, Jan. 13
- Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Eskind Biomedical Library
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 14
- Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Frist Hall 140