23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Remember. Celebrate. Act.
On Monday, January, 20, the Memphis Grizzlies, National Civil Rights Museum, City of Memphis and Shelby County eill host the 23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Game, presented by Ford and your Mid-South Ford Dealers. All events are in an effort to continue the conversations with the Memphis community and Mid-South youth to Remember, celebrate, and Act on Dr. Kings legacy.
Intersection of Race & Sport
Presented by : BlueCross BlueShield TN
Since 2015 the Grizzlies and the National Civil Rights Museum have partnered on this annual series of conversation issues at the intersection of race and sports. Every year the topic is timely and compelling, and our panelists are esteemed and knowledgeable. And this year is no different.
Moderator: Russ Wigginton
Grizzlies players, in support of historic Clayborn Temple, will participate in a learning journey designed to provide more insight on the historic 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike and the I AM A MAN campaign. Following the learning journey FedEx volunteers and Grizzlies players will participate in a service project alongside current sanitations workers, benefitting students from Douglass K-8 optional school. Volunteers will engage in a stained-glass making activity reminiscent of the imagery and historic stained glass in the Temple as well as packing shelf stable food for all students at Douglass Optional School.
The Memphis Grizzlies will host an event showcasing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr"s. work through art. Members of the MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies and the Youth Advisory Council will give "Teen Talks", with special guest, Tony Allen. Through showcasing how Dr. King"s legacy has positively impacted their access to various opportunities for success, the talks given will connect to the Grizzlies MLK initiative"s theme of economic mobility. Participants will reflect how they continue to live in Dr. Kings legacy or what they aspire to accomplish due to his “I Have a Dream” Speech.
Supporting organizations include: MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies, Contemporary Arts Memphis, Brooks Museum, National Civil Rights Museum (Dory Learner, Museum Educator)
Jan. 20
Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves
Presented By: Ford And Your Mid South Ford Dealers
Location: FedExForum
Time: 1:30pm
Mentoring Recruitment Fair
Fans attending the game will have the opportunity to visit Grizzlies community partners and organizations who lead mentoring efforts around the Mid-South. Must have a game ticket to attend.
Location:FedExForum Concourse
Time:12:00pm to end of halftime
Become A MemberEarl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium
Presented by: Hyde Family Foundation
The Earl Lloyd Legacy Symposium is an annual event held in conjunction with the Grizz MLK Day celebration. This symposium features the year's honorees participating in a panel discussion. The event takes place on MLK Day and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The discussion is also streamed online and moderated by Pete Pranica.
Location: Built Ford Tough Practice Facility, FedExForum
Time: 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Livestream: FanDuel Network Southeast
View Our 2025 Honorees
Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium Honorees
The Earl Lloyd Legacy Symposium is an annual event held in conjunction with the Grizz MLK Day celebration. This symposium features the year's honorees participating in a panel discussion. The event takes place on MLK Day and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The discussion is also streamed online and moderated by Pete Pranica.
Tommie Smith
1968 Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist
Cheryl Miller
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer & Olympic Gold Medalist
Amar'e Stoudemire
NBA Legend & 6-Time All-Star
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