MLK HOLIDAY DC
LET FREEDOM RING LOUDER THAN EVER
MONDAY, JAN 18, 2027
WASHINGTON, DC
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“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving forward.”
We welcome all residents of the District of Columbia and surrounding areas to take part in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk and Parade.
Honoring the Legacy. Continuing the Work.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday DC Parade was conceived in 1977 by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, founder of The Washington Informer and the United Black Fund; Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark; and community activist and radio personality Ralph “Petey” Greene. What began as a community effort to honor Dr. King and help establish his birthday as a federal holiday has grown into a longstanding Washington, DC tradition.
Today, MLK Holiday DC carries that legacy forward through service, education, youth engagement, health and wellness, and community connection. The annual MLK Peace Walk & Parade brings residents, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, businesses, and community partners together to celebrate Dr. King while putting his principles into action.
Through youth programs, community service, wellness resources, educational experiences, and opportunities to gather and serve, MLK Holiday DC creates ways for every generation to learn from the legacy, strengthen our communities, and continue the work.
EVENT DETAILS
22nd ANNUAL MLK HOLIDAY DC PARADE
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2027
11 AM
We are back OUTSIDE on MLK Avenue
Join us for the our annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with this year’s theme: “Let FREEDOM RING LOUDER Than Ever”
For 40+ years, this historic event has honored Dr. King’s vision. Be part of this year’s MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade and honor his legacy.
Let’s make history together on Monday, January 18, 2027 – see you there!
KEY NOTES:
We are marching from Firth Sterling Ave & Sumner Rd. SE to MLK Ave. to Marion Barry Ave.
Parade timing:
- Peace Rally at 9:30 AM (on Firth Sterling Ave at Sumner Rd, SE)
- Peace Walk step-off: 10:30 AM (walkers assemble and begin moving no later than 10:30 AM)
- Volunteer Clean Up Check in: 10:30 AM (at Health & Wellness Fair tent in PNC parking lot)
- Health & Wellness Fair start time: 10:30 AM (located in the PNC parking lot)
- Parade start time: 11:00 AM (following Peace Walk)
- Parade ends at 2pm
For schools, bands, and large groups arriving by bus (important!)
All parade participants to check-in by 9:30 AM at the large 40×40 heated tent at Firth Sterling Ave. & Sumner Rd SE near the lineup area. Groups may remain and stay warm while waiting to move into position.
Please arrive on time, dress warm, and be ready to follow instructions from marshals and event staff so the parade can move efficiently.
Bus Drop-Off Location:
- Corner of Firth Sterling Ave & Sumner Road SE
This is the primary drop-off point for large vehicles transporting participants.
How buses should arrive:
- Use I-295 and take the Suitland Parkway exit, which brings buses directly toward Firth Sterling.
- After drop-off, buses should not stay in the lineup area.
Where buses should go immediately after drop-off (key instruction):
- Get back on I-295 and take the Pennsylvania Avenue exit.
- From Pennsylvania Ave, take Minnesota Ave (preferred for buses – easier turn).
- Continue toward Anacostia Park and follow directions to the gravel lot where buses will park.
- This matters because after a certain time, buses will not be able to access the pickup/parking site due to rolling closures.
VIEW PARADE HISTORY
MLK HOLIDAY DC PEACE WALK and RALLY
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2027
9:30AM – Peace Rally
10:30 AM – Peace Walk Step off
PEACE WALK HISTORY:
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the Washington DC metropolitan communities.
Over a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ join annually in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC. Notable previous year attendees include Nick Cannon, Mayor Muriel Bowser, former Mayor and Current Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, radio personality Donnie Simpson, music virtuoso Blake Miles Hopkins, and the late civil rights legend Dick Gregory who spoke at the beginning and end of our 2014 Peace Walk.
MLK Holiday DC Annual Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, January 16, 2027
9am to 12:30pm
Location: TBA
Tickets:
Coming Soon
A multi-cultural and intergenerational event with clergy and faith leaders from the DMV. Feast with us and be spiritually fed in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s breakfast will be held in-person.
Please check other events we have scheduled to honor Dr. King’s legacy and continue to build on the work he started.
7th Annual MLK Holiday DC Hopeful Healing Health and Wellness Fair
MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2027
10:30 AM TO 2 PM
Location: PNC Parking Lot – 2031 MLK Ave, SE, Washington, DC
FREE to the public. Registration Required.
Focus: Meeting the needs of mental health, giving hope, and equipping the community with resources and services needed.
Exhibitor Details
The Wellness Fair gives priority to exhibitors who provide health services (for example, blood pressure, diabetes and other medical screening, life saving demonstrations, nutritional information, and chiropractic and massage therapist services).
VENDOR FEES:
TBD
Load In
8am to 9:30am
**Due to traffic shutdowns, we urge you to set up early
What to bring with you
Bring your own table and chairs
**exhibitors may NOT distribute food
What will be provided
We will provide assigned exhibit space
Parking
Street parking only
Load Out
2pm
We ask that you staff your table during the entire fair
If you have questions, please email wwhrenjr@gmail.com.
MLK PEACE WALK AND PARADE
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM
MLK Holiday DC has been a success thanks to amazing people like YOU!
Sign up for a volunteer shift today.
MLK Holiday DC Community Service Project
Check in at the Health Fair in the PNC Parking Lot(next to Far Southeast).
10:30am – 2pm
13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. D.C. Student Essay Contest
The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Institute Alumni Association in conjunction with the DC Martin Luther King Holiday Committee will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest for DC Residents/Students Grades 5 through 12. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Winners in each division will win cash prizes. Entrants must be DC Residents.
Important Dates
- Essay Competition Start Date – Wednesday, October 14, 2026
- Essay Competition End Date – Wednesday, December 16, 2026
Submission Deadline – Wednesday, December 16, 2026-11:59 pm
High School and Middle School Division Essay Prompt
700 to 1000 Words (High School)
500 to 700 Words (Middle School)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the pursuit of ‘Freedom, Justice, and Equality’. Identify three modern social issues where people are still fighting for these principles today. For each issue, analyze its impact on society and propose a thoughtful, actionable solution to help create positive change.
Elementary School Essay Prompt – Grade 5
250 to 500 Words
Think of someone who stood up for what is right—like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a historical hero, or even someone in your community. How did they help make the world a freer place?
Links to register:
Elementary – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2027-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—elem
Middle – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2027-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—MS
High – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2027-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—HS
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HIGHLIGHTS
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THE MLK E-NEWSLETTER
2026 PREMIER SPONSORS
A special thank you to our Sponsors who make the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk and Parade possible. Consider joining the family.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
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FRIENDS OF THE MLK HOLIDAY DC COMMITTEE
