MLK Holiday DC 15th Annual Community Clean Up

TheMLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Paradeis one of the nation’s longest-running tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., bringing thousands of residents, leaders, organizations, and visitors together each January. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark, and activist Petey Greene, the event was among the first in the country to honor Dr. King with a parade, predating the federal holiday by six years. Today, it features the annual Peace Walk, Parade, Prayer Breakfast, Health & Wellness Fair, Student Essay Contest, and other community-driven activities. Together, these events uphold Dr. King’s legacy and inspire collective action for peace, service, and social progress.

MLK Holiday DC

We look forward to the 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Clean Up - another festive experience.

Shepherd Parkway

We look forward to the 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk &amp; Parade - another festive experience. Participants are committed to continuing this strong tradition started more than 30 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 &amp; Parade will commence at 9:00 am on Monday, January 18th <ul><li>Community Clean Up - 9am | at Shepherd Park, Washington, DC</li></ul><ul><li>Peace Walk - 10am | start at 2500 MLK Avenue, SE; and end at MLK Ave &amp; Good Hope Road, SE.</li></ul><ul><li>Peace Rally - 11am | at MLK Ave &amp; Good Hope Road, SE.</li></ul><ul><li>Parade - 12 noon | start at MLK Avenue &amp; Good Hope Road, SE. near the Anacostia Park entrance; and continue along MLK Avenue to the R.I.S.E. Center at St. Elizabeths at 2730 MLK Ave SE.</li></ul>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.FAQsWhat are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?<ul><li>Ride Sharing</li><li>Anacostia Park - Parking Lot</li><li>Anacostia Metro Station - Exit right onto Howard Rd toward MLK Ave.</li></ul>What can I bring into the event?Portable chairs, dress warmly, and wear comfortable footwear.  The event is outdoors, rain or shine.

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