Everybody loves a parade, and there's no better reason to gather for a fun yet meaningful event than the Annapolis MLK Parade & African Diaspora Festival scheduled for 12 pm on April 1st.

 

The MLK Day parade in Annapolis, MD.
The MLK Parade and African Diaspora Festival return on April 1st.
Image courtesy of Annapolis Discovered.

 

Who?

The City of Annapolis and the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps co-sponsor the yearly parade and festival. The event's purpose is to commemorate the life, work, and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. thru inspiration, education, and collaboration with a spirit of unity.

 

MLK Foot Soldiers Memorial at the People's Park in Annapolis, MD.
Just off Calvert Street, you'll find the MLK Foot Soldiers Memorial.
 Image courtesy of Annapolis Discovered.

 

 

What?

The parade will feature the Drum and Bugle Corps, groups from area high schools, fraternities and sororities, and dozens of other organizations. All participants show respect and honor Dr. King along the parade route and celebrate his vision of non-violence.

The event is the brainchild of Pat Montague, founder of the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps. For years Montague said she wanted to take the corps to King parades elsewhere, but the plan never materialized.

After realizing that Annapolis had never held a parade of its own to honor King, she decided to create one in 2015.

 

 

An image of Martin Luther King, jr. on a flyer for the MLK Disapora Festival

 

Where?

Parade participants will make their way down West Street at noon, around Church Circle, and down Main Street to the Susan B. Campbell Park along City Dock, where the free diaspora festival will be in full force with art, food, live performances of music and storytelling to highlight significant contributions to American history and culture and various vendors. This event is family-friendly and runs from 1 pm until 8 pm.