Houston's Original MLK Jr. Day Parade celebrates big anniversary
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Original MLK Jr. Day Parade celebrated its sapphire anniversary as thousands gathered in downtown Houston on Monday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This year, the Black Heritage Society hosted three days worth of events, remembering Dr. King and acknowledging his dream of civil and economic rights, and an end to racism in the U.S.
The parade aired live on ABC13 Monday morning, but you can watch the recap in the video player above.
The parade kicked off on Lamar at Smith St. with the theme "Climbing the Mountain to a Better Future."
The parade was immediately followed by a free MLK Festival at Hermann Park Square at Houston City Hall. Visitors can find food trucks, vendors, live music, DJs and youth activities there until 5 p.m.
The Original MLK Jr. Day Parade Route
Mayor Sylvester Turner served as Grand Marshal in the final MLK Jr. Day parade of his administration. Co-Grand Marshals also included Rev. Dr. Derek King, the nephew of the great civil rights leader, and plastic surgeon Dr. Camille Cash.
This year's parade also paid tribute to the late Houston civil rights and labor activist John Bland, who died in 2020.
Weekend MLK Jr. Day Events
On Saturday, Black Heritage Society presented its annual gala, where Dr. Derek King served as honorary speaker, before Mayor Turner took the stage for his keynote speech. Then on Sunday, a Gospel Fest Concert included performances by James Fortune, Zacardi Cortez and Endurance at Green House International Church at 200 W. Greens Road, in Houston.
ABC13 is proud to be the Official Television Partner of The Original MLK Jr. Day Parade.
