The 45th  ANNUAL ORIGINAL MLK PARADE will begin at 10 a.m.,  MONDAY, JANUARY 16, starting at the intersection of Smith and Lamar streets in downtown Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner, will serve as the 2023 parade grand marshal. Co-grand marshals are - Dr. Camille Cash and Rev. Dr. Derek King with a memorial tribute to John W. Bland.

The MLK Festival hosted by the Black Heritage Society is held immediately following the parade and ends at 5 p.m. at the Hermann Park Square at City Hall and is accessible to the public. The children will enjoy a Day of Service learning about Dr. MLK Jr. We have partnered with The World Youth Foundation for a Parade of Giving. Children and Youth are encouraged to bring Gas Gift Cards and amounts for The World Youth Foundation. In addition, there will be food trucks, vendor booths, live music, DJ youth activities, and more.