42nd Annual Original MLK Day Parade

The Black Heritage Society and the City of Houston will host the 42nd Annual “Original” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade, with Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman as the Grand Marshal. (Photo courtesy of Black Heritage Society)

The Black Heritage Society and the City of Houston will host the 42nd Annual “Original” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade, with Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman as the Grand Marshal. The historic parade was the very first MLK Day Parade held in the nation after being sanctioned by the King family in 1978 here in Houston.

The celebration will showcase a variety of marching bands, decorated floats, dance teams, military and ROTC groups, first responders, city and county officials, VIP guest appearances and notable organizations from around the world. The Mayor’s Drum Major Award will be presented again this year, recognizing outstanding performance and originality. Immediately following the parade, the celebration will move to Sam Houston Park for the 4th Annual MLK, Jr. Taste of Houston festival.

The family-friendly experience is an upbeat blend of popular cuisines and desserts, artwork, kid-friendly activities and live musical performances. Both events are free to the general public.