While nationwide celebrations commenced for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 20, The Washington Informer commemorated the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader in the days leading up to the national holiday, partaking in MLK Holiday DC’s annual week of recognition from Jan. 11-18.
MLK Holiday Committee, which is co-chaired by Stuart Anderson and Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, hosted a week-long series of events featuring community service, faith-based activism, and powerful displays of solidarity, all culminating in the 20th Annual Peace Walk and Parade on Saturday, Jan. 18.
“We all stand on the shoulders of somebody, right, a whole bunch of people. It’s important that we learn these kinds of lessons, because it strengthens us, so we can do some great things, not for ourselves, [but] for other people,” said Anderson at a MLK church service on Jan. 13. “Everything we do is about trying to make sure people get the message of Dr. King.”
From the kickoff event at the 7th Annual Prayer Breakfast to the community clean up on Shepherd Parkway, check out how The Washington Informer staff uplifted the legacy of the renowned figure whose impact remains evident today.
7th Annual Prayer Breakfast (Jan. 11)
The 7th Annual MLK Holiday DC Prayer Breakfast brought faith leaders, elected officials and local activists to Matthews Memorial Baptist Church to reflect on King’s impact and inspire hope for the future in communities of faith.
“We are Never Alone” Church Service (Jan. 13)
On Monday, Jan. 13, Living Word Church in Southeast hosted an evening of prayer, praise and celebration in honor of Dr. King, which featured musical selections, cultural performances and empowering sermons from faith-based community leaders.
Community Clean Up (Jan. 17)
Blurb: Washingtonians gathered in Shepherd Park on Jan. 17 under a shared mission of service, collective unity and environmental consciousness to clean up the streets in preparation for Saturday’s MLK Peace Walk & Parade.
Peace Walk & Rally and Parade (Jan. 18)
Amid freezing temperatures, community leaders, residents and social activists rallied together to march from Shepherd Park to the Entertainment and Sports Arena in the 20th Annual MLK Peace Walk & Rally and Parade – a procession that began in 1979 and is deeply rooted in the history of The Washington Informer.