On Monday, January 20, 2025, volunteers and vehicles made their way to Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festival.

Starting at Eastlake Park in Phoenix, alongside Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and other dignitaries, event goers marched from Eastlake Park to Margaret T. Hance Park where a day-long celebration and commemoration of Dr. King took place.

As marchers arrived, Dr. King’s voice echoed throughout the sprawling event, as parts of his many profound and memorable orations permeated the minds and hearts of attendees.

Community members, both young and old, conversed with our volunteers, as we discussed the benefits of driving electric vehicles. The backdrop of the Phoenix skies displayed in full view the poor air quality that affects many communities and this urban park. Local pollution is a serious problem, and electric vehicles are part of the larger solution to reduce harmful emissions from the air we breathe.

Volunteers John Martinson, John Morrill, Peter & Rachel Culin (and family) and Shaun Barnette made a significant impact, conversing with more than 1,400 attendees, inviting them to join our ride and drives and other community events where they could learn more and experience driving electric.

One memorable interaction included a large group of teenagers, playing loud music from the speakers of our display’s Chevrolet Bolt and Rivian R1T, while dancing and enjoying each other’s youthfulness. The display of joy and community was a fantastic representation of the events of the day!

Photo Credit: Shaun Barnette & Peter Culin