Change Is Coming: 10th Annual MLK Peace Walk & Parade

Washington, DC – In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, community leaders and residents of the Nation’s Capital will participate in the 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Peace Walk and Parade on Monday, January 18, 2016 in Southeast. The parade is a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a continuation of the vision of Dr. Calvin and Wilhelmina Rolark and “Petey” Greene, who established the annual parade in Ward 8 over 30 years ago.

This year’s theme: “Change is Coming” builds upon the hard work and progress of civil rights leaders from the past, as well as this generation of leaders who are advancing human rights through the Black Lives Matters movement. The parade’s Grand Marshals are beloved Washingtonians who are local and national individuals, in their own right.

The parade will feature several high school marching bands including Dunbar, Eastern, McKinley, Anacostia, Ballou and Suitland SHS in Prince George’s County. The U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, along with dozens of community organizations will also participate.

The assembly for Peace Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church lot, 2498 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. The Parade will assemble at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s East, 2700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. (main gate). Both contingents will proceed south on ML King Avenue to Leckie Elementary School, 4201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.W.