PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Whitmire Announces Historic Unity Parade for MLK Day 2026
Mayor Whitmire makes a major announcement uniting two MLK Day Parades in 2026
June 10, 2025 -- Mayor John Whitmire has announced a historic agreement championed by his administration and supported by the organizers of Houston’s two longstanding MLK Day parades to host a single, unified event in January 2026.
Following weeks of discussions, led by members of the mayor’s team alongside At-Large Council Member Willie Davis, Teresa Brewer (President of the Black Heritage Society, Inc.), and Charles Stamps (Chairman & CEO of the MLK Grande Parade – Houston), both organizations have agreed to come together for one Unity Parade on January 19, 2026.
“I knew it could be done, and I knew it had to be done for safety, for cost, and most importantly, to properly honor Dr. King,” said Mayor Whitmire. “For 32 years, many have tried and been told it couldn’t happen. But two proud organizations came together, and we made it happen.”
More details will be shared in the coming weeks by Mayor Whitmire, and representatives of the Black Heritage Society, Inc., and the MLK Grande Parade.
The mayor encourages all Houstonians to support the unity parade as spectators along the parade route or by marching or riding a float.
“I ran to unite this city,” the mayor said. “And this is one of the clearest examples of what that looks like.”
|"The Black Heritage Society Inc. is thrilled to announce our joint initiative to unify the two parades at a single location in downtown Houston. In honor of Ovide Duncantell Jr., we are dedicated to leading the parade and embracing the sacrifices needed as we move forward into the next chapter of our story. This moment is significant as we navigate a world that often lacks sacrificial love, meaningful conversations, truth-telling, and healing. While African Americans have consistently shown their capacity for sacrifice, it is also crucial to celebrate our uniqueness and promote solidarity as we embody sacrificial love. By sharing our stories, we aim to cultivate mutual respect and understanding, fostering a spirit of love for all people while promoting justice, freedom, and inclusion. Let’s continue to march forward together. Additional updates will be provided soon on The Original MLK Jr. Day Parade. As our late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
-- Teresa Brewer, President Black Heritage Society
“The MLK Grande Parade is proud to lend it’s expertise and insight in a joint effort to promote racial/cultural harmony in Houston and throughout the world. A parade platform is one of many tools in our tool box. However, The MLK Grande Parade offers the most visibility of our annual efforts that culminates each year on the third Monday in January that represents the National Holiday observance. The MLK Unity Parade-Houston will be a combination of many groups and organizations representing all cultures, ethnicities, and religious beliefs consistent with the doctrines of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These efforts have been our goals and aspirations for over thirty (30) years and we are convinced that the 2026 MLK Unity Parade that will be held on January 19, 2026 will be a most memorable and educational experience for all.”
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Dr. Charles Stamps, Chairman and CEO, MLK Grande Parade