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What you should know about the annual MLK Day Parade in Houston

FILE - In this 1960 file photo, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in Atlanta. The estate of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has reached an agreement with HarperCollins Publishers for rights to his archive. HarperCollins released King's first book more than 60 years ago. The King Estate had been publishing books since 2009 with the Beacon Press. (AP Photo, File) (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Houston will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Jan. 20, starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at the corner of Smith and McKinney streets, in front of Houston City Hall, located at 900 Smith St.

This year’s theme, “In a diverse society, we must foster acceptance, maintain human dignity, and safeguard fundamental human rights,” is set by the Black Heritage Society Inc. and Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who has extended an invitation to the 47th original MLK Jr. Day Parade.

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The event will feature engaging discussions, music, dance, and various activities. It will honor Grand Marshal Rev. Dr. Derek King, nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rev. King will be recognized for his contributions as a spiritual leader, former pastor, and educator, emphasizing the importance of acceptance in promoting an inclusive and progressive society.

44th Annual Original MLK Day Parade happening Monday in downtown Houston

Following the parade, the “Children’s Day of Service” will take place downtown starting at 4 p.m., featuring live performances, kid-friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors, marketing booths, food, and more family-friendly fun.

MLK parade route Starting Downtown Houston at Lamar and Smith Street MLK Festival at Herman Park Square in front of City Hall, 900 Smith Street (Copyright © 2025 Black Heritage Society - All Rights Reserved.)

Monica James, chair of the Black Heritage Society Soiree, anticipates welcoming a diverse array of celebrities, elected officials, actors, musicians, and supporters of the late Executive Director and Founder, Ovide Dncantell Jr., as well as the Black Heritage Society President.

Houstonians celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a parade in downtown Houston on Jan. 20, 2020. (KPRC)

For those visiting from out of town or planning a staycation, consider attending the Black Heritage Society Soiree at Hotel Icon, part of the Autograph Collection, located at 220 Main St., Houston, TX 77002. For discounted rates, visit the website. Tickets for tables can be purchased online, or you can call 281-405-0006 for a direct link.


About the Author
Kendall  Mayes headshot

My name is Kendall Mayes, and I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Prairie View A&M University. Currently, I work as a content gatherer for KPRC2, where I love sharing individuals' stories.

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