The Unity Group of Chattanooga, in conjunction with the City of Chattanooga Department of Equity and Community Engagement (MLK Day of Service) and community stakeholders, will participate in a day of “Remembrance and Reflection” on Thursday at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. The event is dedicated to the life and advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was killed on this date in 1968.
"Brief reflections on the life and legacy of Dr. King will be given, directly followed by a bell tolling ceremony, which will pay respectful tribute to his memory and endearing legacy," organizers said.
"We will also be taking this opportunity to honor local Public Works and Sanitation Workers.
"We are asking for churches, places of faith, schools and private establishments to toll their bells “39 times” to honor the number of years Dr. King dwelled on this earth, to pay homage to his legacy and to rededicate ourselves to the struggle for justice."
The ringing of the bells should begin at 7:01 p.m. (6:01 p.m. CST), the moment Dr. King was stricken.