JAN 17 | MLK Day Community Clean Up, Peace Walk and Wellness Fair in Ward 8
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent surge in those who have contracted the virus, we will not be hosting a parade in 2022. We will celebrate our 41st Annual MLK Holiday DC with a peace walk and look forward to the return of the parade in 2023.
Participants are committed to continuing this strong tradition started more than 40 years ago by radio talk show host and community activist Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene, Washington Informer publisher and philanthropist Dr. Calvin W. Rolark and former Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark when they organized the annual Martin Luther King Day Parade (on one of the nation’s first streets named in honor of the civil rights leader, following his death in 1968). The parade began in 1979, six years before Kings’s birthday became a federal holiday. We continue the tradition and celebration that the Rolarks and Petey Greene started, as we honor Dr. King and keep his message alive.
The Peace Walk will commence at 10:00 am on Monday, January 17th
Community Clean Up - 9am | at Shepherd Park, Washington, DC
Peace Walk - 10am | start at Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge; and end at Ambassor Christian Church, 1412 Minnesota Ave SE
Wellness Fair - 11am | at Minnesota Ave & Good Hope Road, SE.
Across the nation and the world, Dr. King’s life and legacy is commemorated by a day of service and promoted as A Day On and Not a Day Off. The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade symbolizes the need to continue Dr. King’s work and reinforces the idea reflected in his words, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Those who believe in Dr. King’s message are considered members of the Coalition for Peace and are invited to join the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Parade every year.
FAQs
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Ride Sharing
Anacostia Metro Station - Exit right onto Howard Rd toward MLK Ave
What can I bring into the event?
Portable chairs, dress warmly, and wear comfortable footwear. The event is outdoors, rain or shine. Masks and Social Distancing required.
What is the Peace Walk route?
View a live map and directions on our website at mlkholidaydc.org
The route is a little over 2 miles.