Houston Hosts Two Simultaneous Martin Luther King Jr. Parades for 31st and 47th Years

The city continues its tradition of dual parades honoring Dr. King's legacy, each with distinct histories and themes.

The 47th Annual Original Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, organized by the Black Heritage Society, will take place in downtown Houston at 10 a.m. on January 20, 2025.
The 31st MLK Grande Parade, hosted by the MLK Parade Foundation, will also begin at 10 a.m. in Midtown Houston, featuring the theme 'Unity Through Diversity.'
The Black Heritage Society's parade will include more than 100 entries, 3,500 participants, and Rev. Dr. Derek King, nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as the grand marshal.
The MLK Grande Parade, known for its cultural performances and corporate sponsorships, will feature co-grand marshals Ron Lockett and Cherica Curtis along its 1.5-mile route.
Houston's tradition of dual parades stems from a 1995 organizational split, with both events now held simultaneously in separate locations.