Women in Black Baltimore Marchers Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MONDAY JANUARY 17, 2011

Read about the 2011 Parade in the Baltimore Sun

For the tenth year, Women in Black, Baltimore will be participating in Baltimore's annual Martin Luther King, Jr. parade. Women in Black is an international peace network. We do not represent a single faith, political position, or national affiliation. Rather, we are brought together in a common desire to live in a world without violence.

JOIN US to march with those celebrating the legacy of Dr. King.

Marchers assemble on Eutaw St between Preston and MLK Blvd before the event begins at noon. Parade organizers at Dolphin St. can direct you to the WIBB contingent if you need help finding us.

AFTER THE PARADE everyone is is invited to gather for warming refreshments and good company at 901 Hollins Street. The building is at the intersection of Hollins and Poppleton Street. This is the same location that has accomodated us in the past. The building recently became part of the "campus" of the St. Peter's Adult Learning Center, located at 13 S. Poppleton Street. There is no identifying name on the building at this time, but you will see the numbers 901.

PARKING is available on the streets near the parade route. Carpooling is recommended.

Some people may want to park cars at the END of the parade. The vicinity of the Learning Center is a good location; however, the University of Maryland has new buildings in the area, so be sure to read signs for any parking restrictions.

Come walk with Ella Baker

Ella Baker

WHO IS ELLA BAKER and WHY ARE WE PARADING WITH HER? This year we welcome to the Women in Black unit of the parade, two beautiful photographic portraits of Ella Jo Baker. Baker became involved with the NAACP in 1940. She was active in many places to fight Jim Crow Laws in the south. In 1957 she moved to Atlanta, where she would work with Martin Luther King Jr. and help organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Baker shared Dr King's dream that human rights would be won through non-violence and from the grass roots up.

Ella Baker was a Pacifist, a Feminist and an Activist who mentored many in strategies for effective action. Long after Dr King's assassination, she continued urging the next generation to carry on the struggle, to work collectively, to name the barriers to liberty and to confront them. This is an American heroine we need to remember and learn from. That's why this year we are carrying an image of a woman who calls us to peace from the grassroots up.

More Information

Watch a video slide show of the 2007 MLK Jr. Parade by David Wolinsky