MLK Holiday DC
The MLK Holiday DC Committee is a coalition of community leaders, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and dedicated volunteers who unite each year to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are proud to carry forward a tradition that began in 1979 as one of the nation’s first parades celebrating Dr. King, six years before his birthday became a federal holiday.
Our mission is to inspire action, uplift communities, and celebrate Dr. King’s vision of peace, justice, and equality. Each January, we host the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, along with a series of community-centered events including the Prayer Breakfast, Health & Wellness Fair, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Essay Contest, and special fundraising initiatives. Together, these activities draw thousands of participants, partners, and supporters from across the Washington, D.C. region and beyond.
We believe Dr. King’s birthday is “A Day On, Not a Day Off”... a time for service, reflection, and unity. Through these events, we provide opportunities for residents, organizations, sponsors, and volunteers to come together, strengthen community ties, and commit to the ongoing work of building a more just and compassionate world.