WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Faith leaders led the Coalition of Peace’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk. Monday’s snowy stroll down MLK Avenue, SE was more than just a parade. The ceremony was a reminder of the man whose life’s mission shapes our collective goals and responsibilities. Many parents watched with their little ones from curbside.
“We learn patience in how to not use violence to solve all the problems that I was a middle ground in every situation so I’m teaching him that even though he’s young,” said Mya Bennett who was with her 3-year-old son Blake.
Service was highlighted on this day, as community groups lined the route passing out toiletries and fresh food to residents.
Next to the Martha’s Table giveaway, a group of teenage young men gathered to reflect on the life of Dr. King.
“He was once us, right here right now,” said Jeremiah Walker. “He believed that we should all be equal.”
"Stay in school, don’t try to be a follower, and just keep your head up,” added his brother Robert.
Jeremiah and Robert Walker and their friend Sean Dennis are part of Martha’s Table’s Global Passport. A mentor and traveling program launched in April 2023 for Ward 8 teenagers 14 through 19 years old.
“This is where he was born,” said Robert Walker, pointing to a collage of pictures displayed inside the Martha’s Table office space showing highlights from a recent trip to Dr. King’s childhood home in Atlanta.
The group makes four trips regionally and one internationally. The teens will travel to Panama this summer.
“It gives me different outlooks because if you look at D.C. right now there’s a lot of violence going on and it gives us time to get away and see something different and positive like stuff like this,” said Sean Davis pointing to pictures of their visit to the Apollo Theater in New York.
“The King legacy says to me that every single person is worthy of dignity and respect,” said Martha’s Table President/CEO Tiffany Williams. “Together we can conquer any challenges that we face if we look beyond, just what you look like on the surface and get to know your heart, and then together, we can create sizable and systemic change.”
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