2025 MLK Jr. Day March and Program media advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Beth Berkemer
(614) 565-6767 cell
EABerkemer@columbus.gov
MEDIA ADVISORY
City of Columbus MLK Jr. March and Program celebration will take place on Jan. 20, 2025
Held at the historic Lincoln Theatre
WHO: Pastor Michael Young of City of Grace, keynote speaker
Nancy Day-Achauer, Columbus City Council Member
Nick Bankston, Columbus City Council Member
Kym Douglas, Columbus Department of Neighborhoods Director
WHAT: The City of Columbus’ annual MLK Jr. March and Program, to celebrate the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day, will be held at the Lincoln Theatre on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. After the pre-march event and 20-minute neighborhood march, which is open to the public, the theatre event will take place.
If the march is cancelled due to inclement weather, media will be notified and theatre program will take place during its originally scheduled time of 5-6 p.m.
The event features saxophonist Eddie Bayard, Dance Elite Performance Academy, winners of the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest, the African American Voices Gospel Choir and Ladies of the Lincoln singers as well as additional entertainment and community leaders.
The event is free and open to the public. If one wishes to be part of the march, simply show up at the front of the Lincoln Theatre beginning at 3:30 p.m. The march takes place 4:10-4:30 p.m.
ADA assistance will be provided as part of the march by COTA Mainstream. Those in need may board the COTA ADA transit vehicle, which will travel with the march.
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 20, 2025
1:10 p.m. Street closure from Garfield Avenue to Hamilton Road
3:40 p.m. Pre-march kick-off program in front of theatre
4:00 p.m. Lobby doors open, drinks and cookies served to public by the American Red Cross
4:10 p.m. March begins
4:30 p.m. March concludes and theatre doors open
5:00 p.m. Theatre program begins, roads open back up
6:05 p.m. Program concludes
WHERE: Lincoln Theatre
769 E. Long St.
Columbus, OH 43203
Parking is available across the street from the theatre.
NOTE: Photos, graphics, pre-event interviews and b-roll available upon request.
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Department of Neighborhoods, City of Columbus
The Department of Neighborhoods works from a foundation of devoted residents, committed neighborhood leaders and a dedicated City workforce to resolve community concerns and tap into neighborhood potential, helping to build a stronger, more equitable Columbus. As the “front door” to the city, the Department of Neighborhoods empowers residents, responds to their needs and protects their rights.