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80% of Black DC Residents Feel Anxious or Angry About the Upcoming Inauguration, According to New Survey by BLK

41% of Black DC Residents Prefer to Leave the City to Avoid the Chaos

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As the presidential inauguration collides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, BLK, the leading dating and social app for the Black community, is stepping up to help Black residents of Washington, DC, reclaim their peace, joy, and well-being. With #BLKFreedomWeekend, BLK will provide flight credits to destinations of the winners’ choice, empowering them to leave the city and celebrate MLK Day on their own terms.

The overlap of the inauguration and MLK Day brings heightened tensions to a city with a rich Black history and culture. According to a recent survey conducted by BLK:

·       80% of Black respondents in the DC metro area feel anxious, concerned, or angry about the upcoming inauguration.

·       59% cited potential violence or unrest as their top safety concern.

·       41% said they would prefer to leave the city during the weekend to avoid the chaos.

For many Black residents, the memory of the January 6th insurrection amplifies fears about unrest and safety. The juxtaposition of this political event with a day honoring Dr. King’s legacy of equality and justice has left many yearning for an escape.

“With #BLKFreedomWeekend, we’re offering Black DC residents the chance to step away from the chaos and reclaim this important holiday in a way that feels meaningful to them,” said Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK. “Dr. King’s vision of freedom includes the right to prioritize our own peace and joy. This campaign is our way of honoring that legacy.”

Through #BLKFreedomWeekend, BLK will select 10 winners from its DC metro user base to receive flight credits to the destination of their choice. The campaign is designed to help participants celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day far from the stress of the inauguration crowds.

Winners will have the freedom to choose where they want to go and how they want to spend the holiday—whether it’s visiting loved ones, exploring a new city, or simply enjoying a change of scenery. Participants will also be encouraged to share their experiences on social media, reflecting on how they chose to honor Dr. King’s legacy in their own unique way.

For the Black community, MLK Day represents a time to reflect on the progress made and the work still needed to achieve equality and justice. However, with the added stress of the inauguration, many Black residents feel that the significance of the holiday has been overshadowed.

“Our survey shows the emotional toll this weekend takes on our community,” said Jonthan Kirkland. “By giving Black residents of DC the chance to leave the city, we hope to create a moment of liberation—an opportunity to truly celebrate freedom and honor Dr. King’s vision in ways that feel restorative.”