Houstonians honor legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Today, Americans across the country commemorate the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
While today is a federal holiday for most, it's also a day of service. in 2009, President Obama asked Americans to honor Dr. King by volunteering in their communities. Since then, MLK Day has become one of the most popular days for people to volunteer.
The president himself is participating in a community service project in the DC area.
Houstonians honor Dr. King's legacy with a number of programs and services today. The original MLK, Jr., birthday parade rolled from Minute Maid Park through downtown Houston at 10am.
Organizers are also collecting donations of water bottles and filters for the people of Flint, Michigan. The city is dealing with a contaminated water supply.
A concert is scheduled at Jones Plaza later in the afternoon.
A separate group held another parade at the same time in Houston's Midtown. The MLK Grand Parade began on San Jacinto and Elgin. Film producer Rushion McDonald is this year's grand marshal.
The Children's Museum of Houston celebrates MLK Day with a peace march, held at 11:30am. Ticket prices for the event are just $5.
If you're going to be at any of these events, make sure to share your photos with us. Send them to news@abc13.com or post them using #abc13eyewitness.
Most school districts are closed. Also, a number of city services, like trash collection, won't be happening today. Most federal workers, including mail carriers, have the day off. METRO will operate on a regular schedule, but the ride store and lost and found will be closed.
