FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA, PA  – Monday, April 4 marks the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Traditionally, Philadelphians observed the date by gathering at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge to walk to its pinnacle and offer a prayer for peace at sunrise.

With the Senate judiciary Committee scheduled to meet on April 4th for a vote on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination for the U.S. Supreme Court, the organizers will shift from the Bridge to gather around the statue of Octavius Catto at City Hall for a silent prayer at sunrise marking the historical significance of the day.

Rev. David W. Brown, Diversity Advisor to the Office of the Dean at Klein College of Media and Communication serves as chairman of Global Citizen’s Advisory Board and is one of the co-founders of the Bridge Walk for Peace. He pointed to the recent Senate confirmation hearings as the impetus for gathering at the Catto statue to commemorate the assassination of King. 

“April 4 represents an opportunity to focus on the promise of Dr. King’s legacy in a meaningful way,” Brown said. “Knowing that Catto died while fighting for voter’s rights, it draws a direct line from King to Judge Jackson’s anticipated confirmation. Put simply, Catto died so King could Dream and Ketanji could Thrive.” 

Participants are being asked to gather at the Catto statue (located on the southwest apron of City Hall) at 6:30 a.m. to be in place at sunrise (approximately 6:40 a.m.). They will be asked to join in silent prayer for 233 seconds (about four minutes) symbolizing the 233 years that the Supreme Court has existed without a Black female justice. Register here.

Contact: 
Rev. David W. Brown
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