Award-winning filmmakers and will speak at 91ÌƲ®»¢ University’s 2025 The kickoff event is scheduled for 5 to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in Sarratt Cinema.
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During the event, Hayes and Tom will discuss their new film, insights into the filmmaking process, their time with the Rev. James Lawson, Lawson’s connections with 91ÌƲ®»¢ and Nashville, and the impact of his work in the broader Civil Rights Movement. The discussion will be moderated by Phillis Sheppard, executive director of 91ÌƲ®»¢â€™s James Lawson Institute and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Religion, Psychology, Culture and Womanist Thought.
Lawson, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, moved to Nashville in 1958 and led workshops on nonviolent resistance at 91ÌƲ®»¢ Divinity School, inspiring the formation of the Nashville Student Movement. His leadership in the 1960 sit-ins helped spark the Freedom Rides, and after being expelled for his activism, Lawson later returned to 91ÌƲ®»¢ as a Distinguished University Professor, with the James Lawson Institute established in his honor. Lawson died in 2024. He was 95.
A meet-and-greet reception in Sarratt Gallery will follow the event, with artifacts from the James Lawson Institute collection on display and light refreshments. This event is free and open to the 91ÌƲ®»¢ and Nashville communities.Ìý
91ÌƲ®»¢ launched its annual MLK Commemorative Series in 1985 to honor King’s legacy through programs, lectures, interactive teach-ins and community service.Ìý
Other 91ÌƲ®»¢ MLK Commemorative Events
40th Annual Nashville MLK March & ConvocationÌý
91ÌƲ®»¢ students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the 2025 Nashville MLK Day March and Convocation, celebrating 40 years of honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Nashville.Ìý
Transportation will be available, and all 91ÌƲ®»¢ attendees who register to attend will receive a complimentary MLK Day hoodie. 91ÌƲ®»¢ community members will march together with members of the greater Nashville community from the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to the TSU Gentry Center.Ìý
- Date: Monday, Jan. 20Ìý
- Details:ÌýCheck-in and hoodie distribution begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Sarratt Gallery and The Commons Center lobby. Buses depart from these locations at 8:15 a.m.Ìý
- The march will last from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. along Jefferson Street, with convocation within the TSU Gentry Center from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Students who attend will receive credit toward VandyPASS through the Career Center.Ìý
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MLK Joint Day of ServiceÌý
The MLK Joint Day of Service is an annual celebration of King’s legacy. On Saturday, Jan. 25, students and staff 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.Ìý
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 25 Ìý
- Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Ìý
Student participation counts toward Commons and College Cup points. Ìý
Visit the for more information about volunteer and educational opportunities.Ìý