Trailblazing engineer Cheryl McKissack Daniel kicks off 2026 MLK Commemorative Event Series

Author, civil engineer and Nashville native Cheryl McKissack Daniel will headline the Vanderbilt University Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speaker Event on Thursday, Jan. 15, kicking off the university's 2026 MLK Commemorative Event Series. The conversation, which is part of Dialogue Vanderbilt's 250 Conversations on America: Civil Discourse in Action series, is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Sarratt Cinema.

McKissack Daniel will be discussing the book she co-authored with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nick Chiles, The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers. Moderated by Associate Provost for Academic Opportunity Jeremi London, the Q&A session will explore the McKissack family's journey as trailblazers in a field that witnessed widespread discrimination.

Register to attend.>>

From the historic National Civil Rights Museum in Tennessee to the transformational $9.5 billion New Terminal One at JFK Airport in New York and the cherished Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, McKissack Daniel's family-run construction business, McKissack & McKissack, has contributed to the creation of some of the nation's most significant landmarks.

They navigated the travails of the construction industry amid racial tensions and discriminatory practices, persevering to establish a name that is being carried forward by McKissack Daniel, whose ascent to the pinnacle of a traditionally male-dominated industry honors her family's legacy.

The first 200 guests will have the opportunity to receive a free copy of her book. There will also be a small reception following the conversation.

More Vanderbilt MLK Commemorative Events

41st Annual Nashville MLK March & Convocation 

Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the 2026 Nashville MLK Day March and Convocation to celebrate 41 years of honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Nashville.

Transportation will be available, and all Vanderbilt attendees who register to attend will receive a complimentary MLK Day hooded sweatshirt. Vanderbilt community members will march with members of the greater Nashville community from the Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to the Tennessee State University Gentry Center. 

• Date: Monday, Jan. 19 

• Details: Breakfast, check-in and hoodie distribution begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Commons Center Lobby and E. Bronson Ingram College. Morgan House will have breakfast, check-in and hoodie distribution available beginning at 7:15 a.m.

• The march will last from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. along Jefferson Street, with a convocation in 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. 

Bus transportation:

• Commons Center:Buses will depart at 8:15 a.m.

• E. Bronson Ingram College (EBI):The bus departing from EBI will first stop at Highland Quad's Morgan House, loading 7:30-7:45 a.m.for students in that area before arriving at EBI to gather additional attendees. This bus will depart for the march at 8:15 a.m.

• Each pickup location will have self-serve breakfast available.

• All buses will then proceed to the march starting point.

This event is open to all members of the Vanderbilt community. Bus transportation will prioritize students, but all are welcome to join this special event.

Registration:

RSVP is required for students who plan to participate.

• Register for breakfast and bus transportation when you RSVP on Anchor Link

• Register to volunteer using the Anchor Link form (for staff/faculty only)

MLK Joint Day of Service 

The MLK Joint Day of Service is an annual celebration of King's legacy. On Saturday, Jan. 24, students and staff from all of Nashville's colleges and universities will come together at Tennessee State University for a kickoff event and then volunteer at community service projects across the city. 

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 24  

• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  

Student participation counts toward Commons and College Cup points.

Visit the MLK Day Nashville websitefor more information about volunteer and educational opportunities in the area.

About Vanderbilt's MLK Commemorative Series

Vanderbilt launched its MLK Commemorative Series in 1985 to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through programs, lectures, interactive teach-ins and community service.