Enthusiasm grows for Original MLK Day Parade this Black History Month
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houstonians had a second chance to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend as the Original MLK Jr. Day Parade took over downtown.
An arctic blast and freezing rain dampened plans last month, but organizers quickly announced the parade would move to this Saturday at 10 a.m.
Black Heritage Society president Teresa Brewer said excitement has been building ever since.
ABC13 will livestream The Original MLK Jr. Day Parade on our website and apps. Just search "ABC13 Houston" in your app store.
"The reschedule was... disheartening, but I think it's created a new enthusiasm since it is Black History Month," Brewer said. "We are ready to march onward, so we're looking forward to all of Houston to join us,"
Dozens of entries, including bands, cheer teams, dancers, and unique vehicles, are expected at the parade, which features the theme of "Brotherly love is the strongest advocate of peace, freedom, and justice for all."
Original MLK Jr. Day Parade Route
- Begins on Smith at Lamar St., heading north
- East on Walker St.
- South on Milam St.
- West on Clay St.
- North on Louisiana St.
- West on Dallas St.
- Concludes on Dallas at Smith St.
Harris Co. Commissioner Adrian Garcia said even in an atmosphere of growing division in the U.S., he sees the parade as a symbol of hope.
"We talk often about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, but it means nothing if we don't practice what he was preaching to us," Garcia said. "It's events like that that reminds us we have more in common than what divides us. We just have to focus on those aspects that bring us together."
Garcia is among the honorees of this year's parade. The commissioner said you can expect to see Precinct 2 well-represented at this year's events.
Civil rights activist Ovide Duncantell Jr. founded Houston's Original MLK Jr. Day Parade back in 1978, even before the federal holiday was established in 1983.
Dr. King, who led on a platform of implementing social change through nonviolence, was assassinated in 1968.
ABC13 is the official television partner of The Original MLK Jr. Day Parade.
