MLK Parade Produces Mixed Emotions

Yesterday's 28th annual parade to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. was fantastic! The parade route began at Ballou High School and ended at the big chair in Anacostia. I participated in the Ward 8 Democrats and DC Young Democrats contingent that marched together--right behind DC United! DC United is doing a tremendous job ingratiating themselves east of the river, which will pay off for them if their new stadium ever gets built.

The parade was a truly amazing experience. The organizers were so welcoming and you could feel the spirit of unity among all those marching and all those standing on the sidewalks and watching. In a city that is so divided, and in a neighborhood that has been forgotten by more fortunate residents west of the river, the pride exhibited by local residents was magnificent.

While it was thrilling and joyous to celebrate yesterday, I could not help but feel a sense of sadness. I was one of the few white participants in the parade, and it was evident that while the parade was a celebration, only a small part of our city was actually celebrating. The MLK parade should be an event where residents from all over the city, not just in Anacostia, but from Georgetown, the Palisades and AU Park, can come together to honor the life of one of the greatest Americans in our country's history.

This parade could be an opportunity for residents who rarely travel east of the river to get a glimpse of what life is like for so many in this city. Perhaps it would inspire them to get more involved in the community. In addition to spending hours at community meetings arguing about traffic congestion, trash pickup, and other matters, it would be wonderful if our residents also spent their time fighting poverty or mentoring young children east of the river or in other disadvantaged communities.