We look forward to the 12th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk & 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 & Parade will commence at 11:00 am on Monday, January 15th

• Peace Walk - 11am | start at 2500 MLK Avenue, SE; and end at MLK Ave & Good Hope Road, SE.

• Parade - 12 noon | start at MLK Avenue & Good Hope Road, SE. near the Anacostia Park entrance; and continue along MLK Avenue to the Barry Farm Recreation & Aquatics Center, at 1230 Sumner Road, SE, where the MLK Holiday DC Health & Community Fair will be underway.

• Health & Community Fair - 11am to 3pm | Barry Farm Recreation & Aquatics Center, 1230 Sumner 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 Park - Parking Lot

• 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.