Nashville Commemorates MLK Day with Annual March and Public Engagement Sessions

Nashville Marks Holiday with Civil Rights Tributes and Community Meetings

The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County is officially observing the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday today, Monday, January 19, 2026. While most administrative offices at the Historic Metro Courthouse and City Hall are closed for the federal holiday, the city is hosting a series of significant public commemorations and neighborhood-level government activities focused on community service and infrastructure.

The centerpiece of the day's events is the annual MLK Day March, coordinated by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF). The march is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. along historic Jefferson Street, a site deeply rooted in the city's civil rights history. Participants will proceed to the Tennessee State University Gentry Center for the IMF MLK Day Convocation, which takes place from 10:00 a.m. to noon. This year’s theme, "Legacy in Action: Continuing the Dream through Service, Justice, & Unity," emphasizes active civic participation and collective social action.

In addition to city-wide commemorations, several localized government sessions and community engagement meetings are scheduled throughout the day despite the general holiday closure:

• District 9 Community Meeting: Council Member Tonya Hancock is hosting her "Talk to Tonya" session this morning at Madtown Coffee. This meeting provides an opportunity for residents to discuss district-specific concerns and local legislative priorities directly with their representative in an informal setting.
• Greenwood Avenue Traffic Calming Meeting: A virtual government session is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. to discuss infrastructure improvements for the Greenwood Avenue area. This session allows residents to review and provide feedback on proposed traffic safety measures intended to improve pedestrian security.
• Community Service Activities: In line with the holiday's emphasis on service, an Adopt-A-Street cleanup for 17th Avenue North is taking place this afternoon. Volunteers are gathering at the Watkins Park Community Center to participate in this Metro-supported neighborhood beautification effort.

While the full Metropolitan Council is not holding legislative sessions today due to the holiday, Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration and various council members remain active in community-led initiatives. Regular government operations, including the first full Metro Council meeting of the month, are scheduled to resume tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20, at the Historic Metro Courthouse.