Original MLK Parade and Festival - Houston's Black Heritage Society

Event Description:

The 31st Annual Original Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will take place on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The Parade begins at MLK @ The Palm Center at 2 pm, and ends at MacGregor Park. Immediately afterwards, in MacGregor Park there will be a program and concert for parade-goers. Before the parade, starting at noon, there will also be a march up MLK Blvd. from the south loop I-610 to Palm Center. These events are sponsored by The Black Heritage Society (Ovide Duncantell's group), and is not the big, commercialized, militarized MLK Grande Parade that will be downtown that morning. If you are reading this on the PAA home page, click on the read the rest link for details.

“I Have a Dream. I Am the Dream. ”

The 31st Annual “Original Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade”

January 19, 2009
Sponsored by
The Black Heritage Society

Join us in this year’s parade as we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and the historic inauguration of the President-Elect Barack Obama.
The parade’s theme is,
”I Have a Dream. I Am the Dream.”

What is the Black Heritage Society?

The Black Heritage Society is a local non-profit 501 (c) 3 self help organization. It’s primary objective is to keep Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Dream Alive”. It’s Founder and Executive Director of 32 years, Mr. Ovide Duncantell, has been a champion of Dr. King’s legacy of cultural Diversity and inclusion for all people regardless of race, color, nationality, or creed.
Since 1976, The Black Heritage Society has organized and rallied the community in support of an annual parade in celebration of Dr. King’s Birthday on January 19th. This parade was the 1st of its kind in the United States, following the death of Dr. King.
The Black Heritage Society began when Mr. Duncantell, with the help of “Daddy King” Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr., were instrumental in mobilizing the community to fight for the renaming of Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard (formerly South Park Boulevard) in 1978 . These efforts also created momentum for the movement to make Dr. King’s Birthday a National Holiday.

When and Where is The Original MLK Parade?

“The 31st Annual Original Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade” is scheduled for January 19, 2009, and will take place on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
A march will begin at 12 Noon, and will go north on MLK Blvd. from the south loop I-610 to Griggs (Palm Center).
The Parade begins at MLK @ The Palm Center at 2 pm, and ends at MacGregor Park. (MLK Blvd at Old Spanish Trail)
Immediately afterwards, in MacGregor Park there will be a program and concert for parade-goers.

Why Should You Become A Sponsor?

Your organization can benefit greatly by taking advantage of this unique Marketing opportunity.
Every year over 100, 000 of Houston’s citizens come out to watch the parade!!!

Your organization can be a part of the parade by marching in the parade, building or purchasing a float, distributing marketing materials, purchasing a booth, or providing giveaways for the parade-goers!!!

Your organization can rent a booth in MacGregor Park,
where post-parade activities will be held!!!

You would be supporting a very worthy cause
and helping to perpetuate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!!

Please call the Black Heritage Society today and request a sponsorship application by fax or email. Thank you in advance for your support.
The Black Heritage Society
3522 Polk St.
(Latino Learning Center)
Houston, TX 77003
713-236-1700/fax 713-222-2338

**** CHECK IN FOR PARADE PARTICIPANTS BEGINS AT 11AM. PLEASE CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 1PM****

Other Ways to Help

* Tell a family friend or co-worker about the upcoming parade.
* Inform your church or local organization about this opportunity.
* Make the parade a family event and tradition by planning to attend together.

Let’s Make This Year A Memorable One!!!!

Click on the attachments below for a 2-page brochure (the above information), or a receipt/sponsorship form.

Event Sponsor:
Black Heritage Society

Event Phone Contact Information:
713-236-1700

Event Website:
originalmlkparade.org