DC parade celebrates fathers and freedom

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A caravan drove through a D.C. neighborhood to celebrate freedom and fathers. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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The organizers of the group want to fathers in the community to be recognized for what they do. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
Messages during a parade in D.C. extol the role of fathers. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Messages are written on cars in appreciation of fathers. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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Streamer hang from vehicles for a parade celebrating fathers and freedom. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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A parade in D.C. wants to show appreciation for the role of fathers in the community. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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A caravan drove through a D.C. neighborhood to celebrate freedom and fathers. (WTOP/Michelle Basch)
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As Juneteenth rallies took place in Downtown D.C., a small caravan of vehicles gathered in near the city’s border with Maryland to celebrate freedom and fathers.

Women Involved in Reentry Efforts, or The WIRE, and the Love More Movement organized the parade of cars Friday afternoon that started at a parking lot on Southern Avenue in Southeast D.C.

The WIRE’s Tanisha Murden said the caravan is about celebrating freedom and fathers.

“We understand that our men are targets,” Murden said. “We just want to embrace you, love on you, let you know that we do care.”

Jovan Davis, from the Love More Movement, said the event is to show appreciation to the men and fathers in the community.

About a dozen cars, decorated with streamers, Father’s Day balloons and signs took part in the caravan. They drove through neighborhoods honking horns and receiving a lot of attention. Other drivers responded with smiles, yells and applause.

The Love More Movement is composed of life coaches that help survivors of trauma to heal. The WIRE provides peer support to other women returning from incarceration.

Abigail Constantino

Abigail Constantino started her journalism career writing for a local newspaper in Fairfax County, Virginia. She is a graduate of American University and The George Washington University.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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