21st ANNUAL MLK HOLIDAY DC PARADE 

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026
11 AM

We are back OUTSIDE on MLK Avenue

Join us for the 21st Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with this year’s theme: “The Struggle is Real! THE FIGHT IS STILL!”

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 19, 2026 – 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 19, 2026

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 17, 2026
9am to 12:30pm
Location: Covenant Baptist UCC
3845 S Capitol St SW, Washington, DC 20032

Tickets:

$35 – Early Bird (thru Dec. 31, 2025)
$50 reg.

Tables of 8 Available (limited)

RESERVER YOUR SEAT TODAY

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 19, 2026
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:

Non-Profit Orgs: $25
Commercial Vendors: $100

RESERVE YOUR TABLE

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 or telephone John at 703-343-5186.

12th 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.

Start Date: Thursday, November 28, 2025

End Date:   Thursday, January 8, 2026

Elementary School Topic

Why is voting important?

Middle and High School Topic

Should the District of Columbia become the 51^st State of the United States? What would be your reasons for or against DC Statehood?

Links to register:

Elementary – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2026-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—elem

Middle – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2026-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest—MS

High – https://form.jotform.com/MYLIAA/2026-mlk-jr-dc-essay-contest–HS