The Petersburg Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the City of Petersburg, proudly kicked off its inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade. This significant event took place on January 20, 2025, and aimed to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his monumental contributions to the fight for equality and justice.
The parade commenced on Pocahontas Street in the Pocahontas Island neighborhood in Petersburg, across the Martin Luther King Bridge toward Petersburg, and concluding on Franklin St. The vibrant parade featured a diverse array of participants, including city officials, local law enforcement officers, Corvette and old school car groups, and dynamic dance troupes, all coming together to celebrate this important day.
The distinguished grand marshals for the parade were Rev. Dr. Andrew & Gracie White. Rev. Dr. White, Pastor Emeritus of the Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, was a close companion of Dr. King during his visits to the city. Their presence brought a profound sense of significance to the celebration, as they shared their smiles and reflections on the importance of the day.
Adding to the festivities, the Petersburg Fire Department embraced the spirit of the occasion by playing Dr. King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech over the loudspeakers of their fire engine, allowing attendees to reflect on Dr. King’s powerful words and vision.
Sheriff Vanessa R. Crawford emphasized the importance of the day, stating, “Although it was a festive event, we cannot overlook or forget the purpose of this day, and that is to celebrate the life, memory, and tremendous contributions Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made in this country in promoting equity and peace for all races and nationalities.”
The Petersburg Sheriff’s Office and the City of Petersburg would like to thank everyone who participated and contributed to making this inaugural parade a successful and memorable tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
