Mayor's Press Release
Houstonians Invited to The Original MLK Day Parade
January 11, 2024 -- Marching bands, drill teams, festive parade floats, and proud Houstonians will fill the streets of downtown Houston on Monday, January 15, to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The City of Houston, led by Mayor John Whitmire, will join the Black Heritage Society to host the 46th annual "Original" MLK Day parade, beginning with a special preshow at 9:40 a.m. followed by the 10 a.m. parade kickoff led by the Worthing High School marching band. The festivities will start at the corner of Smith and McKinney in front of Houston's City Hall.
The 2024 parade theme is "Brotherly love is the strongest advocate for freedom, peace, and justice for all." As the nation's fourth-largest and most diverse city, Houston proudly hosts an MLK Day celebration that welcomes everyone supporting Dr. King's message of unity, nonviolence, and the beloved community.
Attorney Benjamin Crump, a civil rights lawyer, will serve as the Grand Marshal. Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrián Garcia and Pastor Walter August Jr. will serve as co-Grand Marshals. According to Teresa Brewer, the President of the Black Heritage Society, these individuals exemplify brotherly love and selflessness, critical qualities of civil rights leaders. Rev. Dr. Derek King will be a special guest. He is Dr. King's nephew.
Program Participants (in order of appearance)
Soloist – Treva Jones
MC - Larry Jones - Radio One
Houston Fire Department and Police Department, Combined Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance – Commissioner Adrian Garcia
The National Anthem- Worthing High School Marching Pride of Sunnyside Band
Invocation, Pastor Walter August, Jr.
The Honorable John Whitmire, Mayor, City of Houston
GRAND MARSHAL – Mr. Ben Crump, ESQ.
Ms. Teresa Brewer, President, The Black Heritage Society
Ms. Helon Hammond, VP Global Learning, People and Community Impact, United Airlines
Speech – TBD, MLK Oratory Competition Winner