Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024: How to observe in Nashville? What's open and closed?

Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day which pays homage to the work and life of one of the most prestigious leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, falls on Jan. 15. The day became a federal holiday in 1983 after President Ronald Reagan signed it into law however it wasn't observed until January 20, 1986.

For Antoinette Lee, council member for District 33, the significance of the holiday is more than just honoring a fabulous, forward thinking man, it's about honoring the belief that everyone can improve our world by supporting each other. She said valuing diversity promotes creativity, acceptance of different viewpoints and respect to those who have differing ideologies or ways of viewing situations.

"Being equal is one thing, but we must must strive to be equitable for all to live up to their full potential," she added.

Across Nashville, many events will be taking place to continue honoring King, including a youth symposium on Jan. 13 featuring Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell.

"Every year, my goal is to be a better ally and a better instrument in the effort to bend the arc of the moral universe, which does not happen automatically," O'Connell told the Tennessean. "We've worked to be intentional about our hiring process and our appointment process and will continue to be, and those things have allowed us to work toward progress in better outcomes for Nashville's Black and Brown communities, particularly where injustice spanned multiple generations."

O'Connell said the voices of the city's young people carry weight and wisdom that elders, ancestors and parents (him included) need to hear.Read ahead to learn why the holiday is commemorated, how to participate in Nashville and what will be open and closed.

What is Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Why is it a holiday?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, observed on the third Monday of January. It is a day to honor the civil rights icon who was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis.

According to the King Center, under King's leadership of the modern Civil Rights Movement, Black Americans achieved more progress toward racial equality in America than ever before. King is recognized for leading non-violent practices to achieve legal equality in the 1950s and 1960s, for example protests, grassroots organizing and civil disobedience.

He is regarded as America’s preeminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history, said the center.

How to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Nashville?

Beginning on Jan. 10 there will be a variety of events to pay homage to King's life and legacy before culminating with a march down Jefferson Street on Jan 15.

Community Banner Day

What: Community Banner Day - The theme of 2024's celebration centers around the six principles of non-violence and King's book, "Why We Can't Wait." Banner Day will be a day to gather and prepare banners for the march. Register here.

When: Jan. 10 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Where: Hadley Park Community Center 1037 28th Ave. N.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Black Tie Gala

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Black Tie Gala - Enjoy an elegant night of live music and performances while mingling with other passionate and like minded individuals. The gala benefits the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship Education Fund which supports students attending local Historically Black colleges and universities. To register visit eventbrite.com.

When: Jan. 11 from 5:30 p.m.-9:-00 p.m.

Where: Cal Turner Center 1011 21st Ave. N.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Labor and Human Rights Breakfast

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Labor and Human Rights Breakfast - The program will feature Keynote Speaker Rev. Daryl G. Gray, a 40+ year veteran in the United States and Canadian Civil and Human Rights Movement. To register visit eventbrite.com.

When: Jan. 12 from 7:30 a.m.-9:30a.m.

Where: Scarritt Bennett Conference Center 1027 18th Ave. S.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Youth Symposium

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Youth Symposium - An intergenerational panel will discuss how their activism, knowledge, opportunities, and messaging has influenced their leadership and advocacy. Workshops will include, "Activism: Build your platform," "Be in the know: Public health and environmentalism," "Next step opportunities," and "Influence of media: Honoring messages of hope." To register visit docs.google.com.

When: Jan. 13 from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School 613 17th Ave. N.

The Power and Promise of Equitable Education

What: The Power and Promise of Equitable Education - A moderated panel discussion with leaders of prominent Nashville educational institutions. Discussions will be focused on the faith African Americans have placed in education to obtain equity and freedom.

When: Jan. 14 at 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Wightman Chapel at Scarritt Bennett Center 1027 18th Ave. S.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Annual march to Gentry

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Annual march to Gentry - Pre-convocation events will begin at 7:30 a.m. No registration required.

When: Jan. 15 from 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Where: Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church 2708 Jefferson St

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Annual Convocation

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Annual Convocation - Keynote speaker will be poet and activist Nikki Giovanni. No registration required.

When: Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Where: Gentry Center 3645 Dr. Walter S. Davis Blvd.

For more information on the schedule of events visit mlkdaynashville.com.

More ways to observe:

What's open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Nashville?

Below is what will be closed and open on Jan. 15.

  • Mail services- There will be no UPS pickup or delivery service, locations may be closed however check with your local store for specific hours of operation. USPS will be closed.

  • Banks - Most major banks will be closed however their services will still be available online or through an ATM.

  • Government offices and services -  Offices like the Department of Motor Vehicles, public libraries and city offices will be closed however essential services like the Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville Fire Department and Davidson County Sheriff's office will remain open.

  • Schools - Davidson County schools, Williamson County schools, Wilson County Schools, Rutherford County schools, Sumner County schools, and Cheatham County Schools will be closed.

  • Shopping malls and restaurants - Stores and restaurants will remain open however it is best to call ahead of time to ensure the hours of operation.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024: Nashville events, what's open, closed

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