53rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program Held in Alexandria
Alexandria, VA – Alexandria’s faith leaders, elected officials, artists, and youth came together for the 53rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program, a moving tribute that honored the life, legacy, and enduring message of Dr. King. “Dawn of Justice and Hope” was directed by Living Legend of Alexandria, Jason Ellis, who founded the nonprofit “Momentum Collective,” which provides free art enrichment and works with Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA).
The program opened with words of welcome from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, followed by a Procession of Faiths representing Alexandria’s diverse religious community. The Alexandria Children’s Chorus led the audience in “We Are Marching in the Light of God,” setting a reverent and hopeful tone for the gathering.
Rev. Dr. Quardricos Bernard Driskel of Beulah Baptist Church offered the invocation, after which Mayor Aliya Gaskins addressed the audience, reflecting on the significance of the occasion and Dr. King’s continued relevance in the life of the city and nation.
Alexandria Poet Laureate Christi Donoso shared a reflective poem, followed by an opening musical selection, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” performed by Louise Phillips Hardy. A dramatic reading from Letter from a Birmingham Jail featured Mayor Gaskins alongside City Councilmembers Jacinta Green and John Chapman with students Cana Zemariam, Mallory Mahoney, Antonio Ellison, and Deveneir Dudley. The segment concluded with a solo performance by Stella Cisney.
The program continued with poetry and dance, including Emelia Dominguez’s recitation of Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird” and a dance presentation by Alfred Street Baptist Church set to “The Good Lord Works in Mysterious Ways.”
Lucas Griffin led the audience in a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honor of Dr. King. Closing remarks were delivered by Rosa Byrd, Chair of the Alexandria Living Legend MLK Committee, followed by a final selection from the Alexandria Children’s Chorus, “We Are the World.”
The annual memorial program once again served as a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s call to justice, service, and unity — values that continue to guide Alexandria’s community today.
