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As Donald Trump was sworn into office for the second time on Martin Luther King Jr Day 2025, both his supporters and those opposing him came out in droves to the US Capitol.
Black individuals and communities were seen around Washington DC honoring King’s legacy on a day that likely signals a step backwards in the fight against racism. Trump, his tech oligarch friends, and followers, new and old, have propagated racist language. Musk okayed the use of racial slurs on X while Mark Zuckerberg recently rolled back on Meta’s DEI policies.
But in DC, one of America’s largest and most historic Black populations, it was clear that these communities are not going to be silenced – even if that becomes the new aim of social media.
People of all colors gathered at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal church to hear the words of Rev Al Sharpton. A march was planned, but much like the inauguration, it was moved indoors due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
To some, the cold blanket of whiteness outside was an omen.
“We decided to hold this rally in DC today because we want to show people the tale of two cities in one district,” Sharpton said.
“While Trump is taking an oath to bring his hero, Andrew Jackson back into the White House, we are here taking our oath to Martin Luther King.”
The church, which is over 140 years old, was packed with those wanting to honor the legacy of King. One of those attendees was Gayle Evans, a 71-year-old from Baltimore, who told the Guardian that “this holiday means the world to me”.
“It means change. And I can tell you, I’m so glad to be on this side of town,” she said.
Sharpton’s sermon featured a strong focus on DEI policies, initiatives which have been long been weaponized by conservatives. He heavily criticized Trump for his promise to roll back DEI policies, and encouraged the crowd to only support businesses, such as Costco, that have pledged to stand by DEI. For some, DEI means future generations are guaranteed their opportunity for success, which follows the goals set by King.
“We are honoring Martin Luther King and keeping his dream going,” said Kim Flintall, 62, from New York.
“This is for my children and my grandchildren and my great grandchildren in this country.”
The historic church where Sharpton spoke represents the legacy of many civil rights leaders, having been where funereal services for abolitionist Frederick Douglass and activist Rosa Parks were once held.
Gladys and Kenneth Walker, 75 and 80, traveled to the rally on Monday from North Carolina. They had previously reserved a hotel room with the expectation of watching former vice-president Kamala Harris get inaugurated. When things didn’t work out that way, they couldn’t get a refund.
“Everybody else at the hotel was there for Trump’s inauguration,” Gladys Walker said. “And so for me it was just so disheartening until I came here today and this really, truly put everything in perspective. It’s a renewal of faith in what we as a people can do and make the changes in this country.”
“There’s been too much sacrifice for us to go backwards,” added her husband, Kenneth.
Outside, Justin Blake waved a Pan-African flag. He is the uncle of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man who was shot and critically injured by a police officer in Wisconsin.
“Everybody understands the shoes they stand in,” he said. “We’re representing our ancestors, and we’re not gonna let their work and blood be taken for granted.”
While an air of defiance could be found at the MLK Day rally, the mood at the nearby Martin Luther King Jr Memorial was slightly somber. Still, many who came to honor his legacy had a cautious sense of optimism.
“He [King] wasn’t just about free Democrats or free Republicans,” said Tony Brown, 46, who traveled from North Carolina with his family to honor King as part of an annual tradition.
“That’s how I think about it. All the division that’s been going on with Trump and the fact that this happened on the day of Martin Luther King should tell you that everybody should be able to come together, put their differences aside.”
At King’s monument, there were a mix of Trump supporters in Maga hats and those who voted against him. Notably, there was still quiet and no confrontations. More than anything, there was a clear theme among attendees: find moments to be happy amid a time of uncertainty.
Marilyn Crooks, a Washington county native, came to the memorial with her niece who was visiting DC for the first time and told the Guardian that “while I may not agree with the current administration, I do respect that the American people have spoken and this is their choice.”
She then added: “But we need to be active in making sure that America is just.”
