photo by Beau Finley
From AlertDC:
“On Monday, January 19, 2026, the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Peace Walk and Parade will take place in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, there will be parking restrictions and street closures that motorists should take into consideration:
The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking for the parade from 6:00AM to 4:00PM:
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue from Marion Barry Avenue to Sumner Road, SE
• Sumner Road from Firth Sterling to Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE
• Marion Barry Avenue from Anacostia Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE
• Anacostia Drive from US Park Police Anacostia Facility to Anacostia Recreation Center
The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic for public safety for the parade from approximately 9:00AM to 4:00PM:
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue from Marion Barry Avenue to Sumner Road, SE
• Sumner Road from Firth Sterling to Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE
• Marion Barry Avenue from Anacostia Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE
• Anacostia Drive from US Park Police Anacostia Facility to Anacostia Recreation Center
“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.”