156th Anniversary of Maggie L. Walker’s Birthday

To safely and responsibly celebrate Walker's birthday this year, we're going mostly online! The main event takes place on Walker's actual birthday, July 15, with the "Parade of Love," a caravan of decorated cars representing community groups that will make their way past several Jackson Ward landmarks. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at Walker's former office building, St. Luke Hall, and pass Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Walker's home, Premier Bank, the Maggie L. Walker Memorial Plaza, the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, and more. As the parade passes Walker's home, our Rangers will go live on Facebook to share the fun with those at home, and afterwards read a special excerpt from the Independent Order of St. Luke's 1924 event, "A Testimonial of Love," which honored Walker's 25 years leading the organization. Special birthday cards for Walker made by local children will also be displayed on site.

Starting on July 11, be sure to also join us daily at 12 p.m. for Facebook Live broadcasts of our Supervisory Ranger, Ajena Rogers, reciting some of Walker's most famous speeches. This series will include Walker's 1901 address, "Let Us Have A Bank" on July 11, "Race Unity" on July 12, "Let Woman Choose Her Profession" on July 13, and "Benaiah's Valor" on July 14. You won't want to miss them!

For more information about the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, call (804) 771-2017 x 0, or visit www.nps.gov/mawa also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MaggieL.WalkerNHS.