Washington Gladden

Social Justice Park

Past Park Events

Check out our blog for upcoming events.

2025 Gladden Lecture

More than 150 people joined us for this year’s Washington Gladden Lecture, cohosted with First Congregational Church, First Community Church, and the Spiritual Life & Learning Center. Renowned theologian, author, and podcaster Pete Enns inspired a Chautauqua-style afternoon of thoughtful conversation on faith, meaning, and social justice. The event included an engaging Q&A session and a book signing held in the park, bringing people together in true community spirit.

Watch the recap here.

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A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.

On the afternoon of Sunday, January 19, the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, located at the corner of East Broad Street and Cleveland Avenue in downtown Columbus, hosted a free public event to reaffirm the ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The event included a series of interfaith speakers and music. After the program, the guests moved next door into the Parish Hall of First Congregational Church for refreshments and socializing. A concert of Choral Evensong and prayers followed in the church sanctuary. The concert celebrated Dr. King’s birthday and offered inspiration for the new year.

The nation’s first park devoted to social justice displays the unique sculpture, “Our Single Garment of Destiny,” inspired by Dr. King’s metaphor in his Letter from Birmingham Jail. The park also includes dozens of guide stones with moving quotes from social justice champions, including Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. The park provides ample free parking for visitors.

Alejandro Rodriguez, executive director of The Spirituality Network and a member of the governing board of Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, speaking at the January 19 celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Alejandro Rodriguez, executive director of The Spirituality Network and a member of the governing board of Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, speaking at the January 19 celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Rev. Becky David, interim senior minister of First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, speaking at the Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration at Washington Gladden Social Justice Park
The Rev. Becky David, interim senior minister of First Congregational Church United Church of Christ, speaking at the Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration at Washington Gladden Social Justice Park
“Our Single Garment of Destiny” sculpture, inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., and a centerpiece of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park
“Our Single Garment of Destiny” sculpture, inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr., and a centerpiece of the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park
Participants at the “Reaffirming the Dream” event celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park
Participants at the “Reaffirming the Dream” event celebrating the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park

2024 Gladden Lecture
The Rev. Dr. Yvonne V. Delk

On the afternoon of June 23, the Rev. Dr. Yvonne V. Delk gave a lecture titled “Truth Telling: A Mission for the Church and Country in an Era of Afrophobia, Critical Race Theory, and Christian Nationalism.” Rev. Delk has served for sixty years as an educator, preacher, organizer, and prophetic voice leading the fight for human and civil rights for people of color, children, and the poor.
 
The 2024 Gladden Lecture was co-sponsored by the Washington Gladden Social Justice Park and the First Congregational Church, UCC of Columbus, Ohio.
 
Watch: