For the first time since 2004, the District’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade was in full swing once again. After an eight year hiatus, the well received parade greeted the changing neighborhoods of southeast.
The parade returned with the collaborative efforts of Washington Informer publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes, whose family helped launch the first parade 34 years ago, and organizers across the city including Councilman Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) who marched with Dr. King while in college.
Over 200 organizations, including District of Columbia and five Baltimore bands marched proudly down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in southeast to pay homage to a great leader for freedom and justice for all.
“Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Washington, DC is the heart of Anacostia and a part of the city that has immortalized MLK’s contributions to our society,’’ said Rolark Barnes.
The parade had a different route this year starting at the front gate of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and proceeding to the memorial to the victims of the September 11 tragedy at Leckie Elementary School.
Leading the way as grand marshals were World Boxing Association champions, Lamont Peterson and his brother, Anthony Peterson, who grew up in southeast.
Both held their boxing title belts with pride which excited many young athletes at the parade.
Native Washingtonian Garfield Jones, 52, attended the first parade before there was discussion about a holiday. This is the best parade yet because the participants are like those who walked with Dr. King,” Jones said. “They came from all over to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday in southeast. That says a lot.”
Lively bands performed for the onlookers dressed in sparkly costumes. Elected officials and candidates running for offices across the District joined the parade and passed out literature.
“The MLK Parade is back,” said Kim Harrison, parade media coordinator. “This parade represents everything that Dr. King’s life symbolized.?The beautiful array of traditional outfits worn by the Chinese dragons and Bolivian folk dancers added a multicultural twist to the event. Gay activists with signs and cheers reminded the crowd that their community was well represented in the Civil Rights Movement and will continue their quest for equality.
It was also a great time to bring social consciousness to many injustices that still prevail. Supporters for DC Statehood, jobs, equal justice, better health care and affordable housing were also present.
“In 1984, I got suspended for 10 days from my job by a Black supervisor because I took off to attend this parade in honor of Dr. King. It was a sacrifice that I welcomed,” said Nathaniel Catlett, 58, a Ward 8 resident. “Two years later, Dr. King’s birthday became a legal holiday. It was all worth it. “
