ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University will pay tribute to the “King of the Blues” this fall with the 11th Annual B.B. King Day Symposium, scheduled for Sept. 4, 2025, on the MVSU campus. The program, beginning at 9 a.m., is one of the signature events marking the 100th birthday of Riley B. King, the Delta native whose music and story continue to resonate around the globe.

The symposium is part of a series of centennial celebrations hosted throughout September across the Delta, including lectures, community festivals, and concerts at the B.B. King Museum and Historic Club Ebony in Indianola. This year’s observance carries added weight, as 2025 also marks Mississippi Valley State University’s 75th anniversary, creating a rare opportunity to reflect on the shared heritage of the university and one of the state’s most celebrated cultural icons.

B.B. King was born in 1925 in Berclair, Mississippi, just a few miles from Indianola, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Known for his expressive guitar playing and soulful vocals, King brought Delta blues to international audiences, earning 15 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

MVSU, located less than 30 miles from King’s hometown, has long recognized the importance of preserving and sharing his story. Over a decade ago, the B.B. King Day Symposium was launched as an academic and cultural forum where scholars, musicians, and community members could explore King’s influence on music, history, and society.

“B.B. King’s influence goes far beyond music—his story speaks to resilience, creativity, and the power of the Delta,” said Margaret Clark, symposium coordinator and Office Manager for Academic Affairs at MVSU. “We are proud to bring scholars, musicians, and community members together on our campus to celebrate his centennial and reflect on how his legacy continues to inspire new generations.”

The annual symposium has become a cornerstone of MVSU’s cultural calendar, drawing students, faculty, and guests from across the state. Past programs have featured panel discussions, performances, and reflections from musicians, historians, and cultural leaders. This year’s edition is expected to highlight King’s enduring impact while also tying into broader conversations about Mississippi’s role in shaping American music.

The symposium launches a packed schedule of events honoring King’s centennial. On Sept. 5, the Mississippi Blues Trail will unveil a new marker at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola. A Community Day Festival follows on Sept. 6, featuring live music, vendors, and activities for families. On Sept. 13, the museum will host an innovative “B.B. King Exclusive Hologram Experience” at Historic Club Ebony, offering audiences a new way to encounter King’s artistry.

The month-long celebration concludes Sept. 16 with a birthday observance at the museum, bringing together fans, musicians, and community members to honor what would have been King’s 100th birthday.

For MVSU, the B.B. King Day Symposium represents more than a single event—it extends the university’s mission to connect culture, education, and community. As the institution commemorates its own milestone of 75 years, university leaders say the symposium reflects the spirit of perseverance and creativity that defines both the Delta and its people.

“B.B. King’s journey reminds us that greatness can rise from the most challenging of circumstances,” Clark added. “That message continues to resonate with our students and with all who call the Mississippi Delta home.”

For more information about the B.B. King Day Symposium and related centennial events, visit bbkingmuseum.org.