MLK Day in Downtown Chattanooga

 

Chattanooga’s MLK Day celebrations began with the Unity Group, a grassroots organization founded in 1969 to uplift Black leadership in the community. In 1970, the group organized a march supporting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday, a vision that grew into today’s annual MLK Celebration. Through community gatherings and a commemorative march, the celebration continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy of unity, service, and hope. Come join us!

Pre-MLk Day Events

  • Unity Group of Chattanooga - “Defining Our Narratives: Black Power Media in a Digital Age”

    January 16, 7PM | Eastdale Village Community UMC | 1403 Tunnel Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37411

    Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Charlotte S. N. N, Williams and featuring guest speaker Bro. Kalonji Jama Changa (founder of Black Power Media).

  • Unity Group of Chattanooga 56th Annual MLK Week Prayer Breakfast

    January 17, 9AM | Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church | 1115 N Moore Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37411

    Featured speaker Rep. Sam Mckenzie (District 15) Knox County and Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators. $35 donation/tables $300. Tickets

  • Unity Group of Chattanooga 56th Annual Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Making Our Communities a Decent and Safe Place to Live

    January 15, 7PM | Community Haven | 815 N Hickory Street

    All neighborhood associations and residents are invited to attend a townhall conversation about actionable safety and decency in our Chattanooga communities. The conversation will be facilitated by Brother Kevin Muhammad.

  • MLK Tribute through Gospel

    January 18, 4PM | Olivet Nation | 4872 Jersey Pike Ste A Chattanooga, TN 37416

    Facilitated by Sister Willie McClendon, paying tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. through the gospel tradition.

Mlk Day events

  • Unity Group of Chattanooga 56th Annual MLK Day Parade

    1PM | Route begins at Georgia Ave. Along Miller Park and will end near Peeples Street

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Free Museum Admission + Documentary Screening

    10AM-3PM

    Join for a day of reflection and commemoration at the Bessie Cultural Center including free admission and MLK documentary screening.

  • 6th Annual MLK Day Youth Leadership Symposium

    Construction Career Center | 225 Roanoke Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37406 10AM-1PM | Tickets

    This year's youth symposium will empower and educate students on how to cause "good trouble" through workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities focused on advocacy, civic engagement, and positive community impact. Lunch will be provided, and all participants are expected to be fully engaged throughout the event.

  •  Join the Movement: Chattanooga’s Annual MLK Day of Service

    9AM-12PM | Register

    Volunteers will participate in service projects focused on revitalization and beautification across Chattanooga. Activities include general cleanup, organizing efforts at community sites, enhancing public spaces, and planting food-producing and shade trees throughout the city. Additionally, the City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development will lead projects at Midtown City Hall Campus and East Lake Community Center.

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Hope and Community at the Hunter Museum of American Art

    10AM-7PM | Hunter Museum of American Art

    Enjoy free admission as the Hunter honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    1PM Meditative art experience with Shawn Dullard-McCane (Sattva Project)

    2 PM Dance performance and dialogue on Hispanic community hopes with Louie Marin-Howard and Andrea Solis Tankersley

    3 PM Poetry and art tour led by poet Kelly Williams

 

 

Amber Briggs

Marketing Intern

 
Dawn Hjelseth