40th Annual "Original" MLK, Jr. Birthday Parade

First Major “Original” MLK, Jr. Parade in the United States Celebrates 40th Anniversary in January 2018

HOUSTON (Oct. 21th, 2017) – The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lives on in Houston! On Monday, January 15th, 2018, the Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Foundation, Inc. and Black Heritage Society, home to the nation’s first-ever MLK, Jr. birthday parade celebration, will ring in the new year and historical milestone at the 40th Annual “Original” MLK, Jr. Birthday Parade in Downtown Houston at corner of Texas & Crawford, located in front of Minute Maid Park. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. The parade and weekend of holiday of activities are “Officially Licensed” by the King Center (“IPM”) Intellectual Property Management of Atlanta, GA.

The extravagant and diversified celebration will feature an array of marching bands, decorated floats, dance teams, military & ROTC groups, first responders, city & county officials, VIP guest appearances, and notable organizations from around the world. The parade will be immediately followed by the 2nd Annual MLK, Jr. Taste of Houston festival. The family-friendly festival will feature popular and cultural food cuisines and desserts, art work, kid-friendly activities, and live musical performances. Attendance to the parade and the festival is free to the general public.

This year’s parade celebration is part of a full weekend of festivities and community service projects with a focus on celebrating the life and legacy of beloved civil rights leader, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The schedule of activities will kick off on Thursday, January 11th and continue through the weekend. An official line up of community events and projects will be announced soon. Registration for this year’s parade, including parade entry, volunteering, festival vending and sponsorship is now available. For more information, please call (713) 236-1700 or visit the official website at www.blackheritagesociety.org.