Martin Luther King Explains the Three Evils of Society

Every good thing has its unintended consequences. One of those is the commercialization of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and the very successful attempt to whitewash the memory of Martin Luther King, by focusing only on the speeches and actions that do not criticize Capitalism or US Imperialism. Here’s one speech that is often overlooked by mainstream media sources. . . . → Read More: Martin Luther King Explains the Three Evils of Society

Martin Luther King Peace March in 2019

February may be the shortest month of the year, but Black History Month really begins on the third Monday of January, which is the day we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal government encourages citizens to celebrate the day through volunteerism, calling it a “day of national service.” But many citizens understand that we truly honor Martin Luther King, Jr. through our political activism. This video is a testament to the continuing struggle not only for civil rights but also human rights in the District of Columbia. . . . → Read More: Martin Luther King Peace March in 2019

Third Annual #ReclaimMLK Week of Action!

Guest Contributor: Black Lives Matter DC

“Martin Luther King Jr’s life’s work was the elevation, honoring, and defense of Black Lives. His tools included non-violent civil disobedience and direct action. Dr. King was part of a larger movement of women, and men, queer, and straight, young and old. This movement was built on a bold vision that was radical, principled, and uncompromising. The freedom fighters who believed in this vision were called impractical, rash, irrational, and naive. Their tactics were controversial. Some elders distanced themselves from what was then a new movement for change. Some of the older generation joined in. Our movement draws a direct line from the legacy of Dr. King.

Unfortunately, Dr. King’s legacy has been clouded by efforts to soften, sanitize, and commercialize it. Impulses to remove Dr. King from the movement that elevated him must end. We resist efforts to reduce a long history marred with the blood of countless women and men into iconic images of men in suits behind pulpits.

From here on, MLK weekend will be known as a time of national resistance to injustice.

This MLK weekend we will walk in the legacy of Dr. King and the movement that raised him. We will #ReclaimMLK.”

– Ferguson Action

Three years ago, the #ReclaimMLK Week of Action was the first public event Black Lives Matter DC put on. Every year the week is phenomenal, touching hundreds of people and highlighting issues unique to Black DC communities. Kicking off each new year with a sense of purpose, focus, and a solid group of folks ready for strategic, principled, and organized resistance is amazing. This year will be no different and we hope to see you all there!

In addition to coming out to enjoy the events (listed below and attached to this email), we are looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering please fill out this form as soon as possible. We would love your help collecting more items for the Silent Auction on Friday 1/19. If you or anyone you know wants to donate, please have them fill out this form.

Lastly, critically important events like these cost money to put on. We are an all volunteer grassroots chapter and need your help to cover the costs associated with this week. We have been able to secure many in-kind and other donations through hard work and relationships we have built. However, we still need your support to cover what remains. Please donate generously here today and encourage your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to do the same! Your help is greatly appreciated.

MLK Holiday DC Theme: Where do we go from here? Chaos or community?

FACEBOOK EVENTS (full flyer attached):

Blackout 2.0 Party

#BlackJoySunday

MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk, Parade, and Holiday Health Fair

2018 Theme: Where do we go from here? Chaos or Community.

Revolutionary Mothering: Mothers Building Community After Loss

Emotional Emancipation Circle

Resisting Chaos Through Organized Resistance: A Direct Action Training

Where do we go from here? Community Open House Fundraiser and Silent Auction for BLM DC and MLK Holiday DC Committee

#J2018- Year Anniversary of the Inauguration.

In Love and Solidarity,

Black Lives Matter DC

Text “KeepDC” to 91990 for alerts, updates, and urgent actions.

Change Is Coming: 10th Annual MLK Peace Walk & Parade

Washington, DC – In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, community leaders and residents of the Nation’s Capital will participate in the 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Peace Walk and Parade on Monday, January 18, 2016 in Southeast. The parade is a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a continuation of the vision of Dr. Calvin and Wilhelmina Rolark and “Petey” Greene, who established the annual parade in Ward 8 over 30 years ago.

This year’s theme: “Change is Coming” builds upon the hard work and progress of civil rights leaders from the past, as well as this generation of leaders who are advancing human rights through the Black Lives Matters movement. The parade’s Grand Marshals are beloved Washingtonians who are local and national individuals, in their own right.

The parade will feature several high school marching bands including Dunbar, Eastern, McKinley, Anacostia, Ballou and Suitland SHS in Prince George’s County. The U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard, along with dozens of community organizations will also participate.

The assembly for Peace Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church lot, 2498 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. The Parade will assemble at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth’s East, 2700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. (main gate). Both contingents will proceed south on ML King Avenue to Leckie Elementary School, 4201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.W.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Other Speeches

“Again we have diluted ourselves into believing the myth that Capitalism grew and prospered out of the protestant ethic of hard word and sacrifice, the fact is that Capitalism was built on the exploitation and suffering of black slaves and continues to thrive on the exploitation of the poor both black and white, both here and abroad.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from The Three Evils of White American Society. . . . → Read More: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Other Speeches