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 Ralph “Petey” Greene, a renowned community activist and radio personality. Established to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the parade united residents of Ward 8, the District, and the entire region in the national movement to make Dr. King’s birthday a federal holiday. Today, the parade not only celebrates its historic roots but also promotes peace and non-violence, spotlight organizations that serve the community, and showcases the talent and pride of school-aged children performing for family, friends, and community members.

Black and BIPOC members of the Free DC community are invited to walk in the 21st annual parade together with 2026 Parade Grand Marshall Harriet’s Wildest Dreams along with Freedom Futures Collective and the DC Youth Coalition.

Source: https://freedcproject.org/event-list/walk-with-free-dc-in-the-mlk-day-peace-walk-parade?link_id=9&can_id=a9f0472765984d2f27db518af1f44796&source=email-on-january-20-were-walking-out-3&email_referrer=email_3050397&email_subject=one-year-in-its-time-to-walk-out&&