Renew Your Strength: MLK Week 2025 

Celebrating Dr. King’s legacy through service and creative expression

Three members of Belmont’s Black Student Association showcased their musical talents this month during a student artist exhibition in the Gallery of Iconic Guitars as part of MLK Week programming.  Each performers chose a song that connected to the week’s theme, “Renew Your Strength.”  

“The idea for the artist gallery was a collaborative effort aimed at bringing more students into a space of creativity and innovation,” said BSA president Esther Gitimu (‘26). “Our goal was to celebrate student creativity while honoring Dr. King's legacy through artistic expression.” 

Gitimu hand-selected the artists, all of whom are a part of distinguished Belmont vocal ensembles, such as PHNX, the Pitchmen and Voxology.  “They were given the creative freedom to provide their own unique interpretations through their performances,” she said.  

The performers were Elijah Mormon, Elana Purvis and Naari Kenebrew. They performed a wide range of songs, such as “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley, “Feels like Summer” by Childish Gambino, an original song called “Sugar Mama” written by Elana Purvis and “Watch the Sun” by PJ Morton. 

Morton will be at the Fisher Center Feb. 17 to discuss his memoir and explore how music has served as a sustaining force and a source of purpose throughout his life and career. Morton’s visit is one of many engaging events planned for Belmont’s annual Black History Month celebration. 

Celebrating the Dream Since 1997 

Belmont established the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Program in January of 1997 to coincide with the national recognition of Dr. King’s life and legacy.  Each year, the MLK Week committee plans a host of events for the campus.   

“Our hope was that these events would foster meaningful dialogue, reflection and inspiration among students and faculty, encouraging a deeper connection to Dr. King's message and its relevance today,” said Gitimu. 

MLK Week events culminated with the MLK Joint Day of Service, Saturday, Jan. 25. Students from colleges and universities across Nashville met together at Meharry Medical College for this annual event which serves as a tribute to Dr. King’s vision of unity and community. Renowned author and professor Dr. Daniel Black was the keynote speaker.  

Additional MLK Week events 

• Documentary screening: “King in the Wilderness” follows Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the last years of his life, from the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to his assassination in 1968.  

• Chapel: Corey D. B. Walker, dean of Wake Forest University School of Divinity and African American Studies program director spoke in chapel with a message calling for transformative hope that echoed King's legacy and the ongoing fight for equity.  
• Panel Discussion: The Jewish Perspective panel — hosted as part of Belmont’s Initiative for Jewish Engagement— returned to campus during MLK Week for a third year. Panelists included shared first-hand experiences and reflections on what it was like, as members of a religiously marginalized community, to offer encouragement to others who were also feeling the sting of oppression and marginalization during the Civil Rights movement.  Panelists included Rabbi Mark Schiftan, Ron Galbraith, Arlene Averbuch, Dr. Stew Perlman and Rabbi Michael Danzinger. 

Belmont is a community dedicated to cultivating a more welcoming, equitable and inclusive environment where diverse viewpoints shape the University’s future. By reflecting on Dr. King's legacy, Belmont reinforces its commitment to a future where every voice is heard and valued, ensuring that our mission to foster excellence and inclusivity continues to inspire students.