SW Houston News

Houstonians are gearing up to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the 46th annual "Original" MLK Day parade. The parade, organized by the City of Houston and the Black Heritage Society, will take place on Monday, January 15, in downtown Houston.

The parade will kick off with a special preshow at 9:40 a.m., followed by the procession at 10 a.m. led by the Worthing High School marching band. The event will begin at the corner of Smith and McKinney in front of Houston's City Hall.

This year's parade theme is "Brotherly love is the strongest advocate for freedom, peace, and justice for all." Houston, being the fourth-largest and most diverse city in the nation, is proud to host an MLK Day celebration that embraces Dr. King's message of unity, nonviolence, and the beloved community.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, a renowned civil rights lawyer, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the parade. Joining him as co-Grand Marshals are Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrián Garcia and Pastor Walter August Jr. According to Teresa Brewer, President of the Black Heritage Society, these individuals exemplify brotherly love and selflessness, qualities that are critical to civil rights leaders.

In addition to the Grand Marshals, the parade will feature special guest Rev. Dr. Derek King, who is Dr. King's nephew. The parade will also include various program participants, including soloist Treva Jones, MC Larry Jones from Radio One, and the Houston Fire Department and Police Department Combined Honor Guard.

The event will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Adrian Garcia, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Worthing High School Marching Pride of Sunnyside Band. Pastor Walter August Jr. will deliver the invocation, and Mayor John Whitmire will address the crowd on behalf of the City of Houston.

The parade will be a celebration of Dr. King's legacy and his message of equality and justice for all. It is an opportunity for Houstonians to come together and honor the great strides that have been made in the fight for civil rights, while also recognizing the work that still needs to be done.

As we commemorate Dr. King's life, let us remember his words: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Let us come together in brotherly love and continue to work towards a more just and inclusive society.

The Original MLK Day parade is a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. It is a celebration of unity, nonviolence, and the beloved community that Dr. King dreamed of. Houstonians of all backgrounds are invited to join in this important event and honor the legacy of one of history's most influential civil rights leaders.