At our core, we are a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of those who need it most. We believe in uplifting the underserved and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact, helping those who are facing life’s greatest challenges.
Each year, we come together to honor leaders who have followed in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—individuals who have championed justice, led with compassion, and worked tirelessly to improve the world. As we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King, we strive to inspire others to embrace his teachings and apply them in everyday living, fostering coexistence and working toward a better world for everyone. We hosted our first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in 1978, coinciding with the inaugural street naming after Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Daddy King, a member of the King family, commissioned the late Ovide Duncantell Jr. and the Black Heritage Society to carry on his son's legacy. People from all backgrounds join the Original MLK Parade to celebrate and embrace our diversity.
Our signature event, like the Original MLK Jr. Parade (BHS), brings our community together to celebrate unity, progress, and the spirit of Dr. King’s vision. But it doesn’t stop there—we also provide important advocacy programs, such as the "Why We Vote" campaign, elevating civil rights learning, and offer a platform to honor and share Black History.
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"To fight for equal rights and justice for all!"
The Black Heritage Society advocates for equal rights, justice, and empowerment for underserved communities, particularly African Americans. The Black Heritage Society Inc., founded in 1974, organized the first MLK Jr. Parade and named the major thoroughfare from South Park Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on January 21, 1978, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States of America. We are best known for organizing the original MLK Jr. Holiday Parade and events that honor Dr. King’s legacy. Through education, celebration, and advocacy, we aim to enrich lives, promote health, and build a network of opportunity for the future.
Join us in our mission to perpetuate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's dream and legacy by continuing to fight for freedom, justice, and equality for all. We are the producers of the Original MLK Jr Day Parade. As we inspire, promote, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the federal holiday on the third Monday of January and throughout the year, with commemorative parades and celebratory community activities, we advocate for equal rights for all people. The organization subscribes to Activism, Advocacy, and Action for the underprivileged, underserved, and those seeking justice and equality. Your support helps us continue to inspire and uplift communities.
By supporting the Black Heritage Society Inc., you allow children, youth, and adults to witness historical events and participate. People come from all over the world to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's life and legacy. Become a BHS Community Supporter by clicking below:
In 1974, Ovide Duncantell Jr. founded and became the Executive Director of the Black Heritage Society Inc., emerging as one of the driving forces behind the renaming of a major thoroughfare to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The street ran through a predominantly African American neighborhood. Duncan's zeal, persistence, and enthusia
In 1974, Ovide Duncantell Jr. founded and became the Executive Director of the Black Heritage Society Inc., emerging as one of the driving forces behind the renaming of a major thoroughfare to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. The street ran through a predominantly African American neighborhood. Duncan's zeal, persistence, and enthusiasm led to the community's mobilization in favor of Renaming South Park Boulevard to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.
The Reverend Martin Luther King Sr., affectionately known as "Daddy King," was deeply moved by the Black Heritage Society's passionate tribute to his late son. In recognition of this, he attended the street name change ceremony and served as the first Grand Marshal of the MLK Parade organized by the society on January 21, 1978. This event marked both the inaugural MLK Parade and the first street naming commissioned by a member of the King family to carrier on his son's legacy. A City-Wide Parade christened the street down the newly named boulevard. Making a pact and promise to Dr. King's father, "Daddy King, the first Grand Marshal. Duncantell Jr. and the BHS have since conducted the annual Original MLK Parade.
In 1983, an Oak Tree was planted to stand in place of the MLK statue. Rev. Derek King attended the dedication of the tree. The Oak Tree was planted in honor of Martin Luther King Jr on the esplanade near the intersection of Martin Luther King Blvd and Old Spanish Trail. The tree stood proudly for over 30 years until Houston's Metro threatened to destroy it because it was in the way of a Metro light rail expansion project. On May 1, 2012, at the age of 75, Duncantell Jr. chained himself to the MLK Tree of Life to stand in the way of the construction of Metro's new Southeast light rail line. He stayed tied to the tree for over 12 hours and did not eat anything, but drank water and juice. Metro eventually agreed not to destroy the tree under conditions to help build an MLK Memorial Plaza in MacGregor Park.
On May 24, 2014 at 9 am the unveiling of a new statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Luther King III, and nephew Derek King, King family members present for the event. Attorney Ben Hall, 2013 Mayoral Candidate, and his wife, Mrs. Saundra Hall, donate $64,000.The Black Heritage Society Inc. donated the statue, worth an estimated $120,000, to Houston's public art collection. Metro's contribution is around $750,000. Our history, Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Houston parade-- MLK Parade Foundation 501c3
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The Black Heritage Society, Inc. is a self-help, non-profit organization chartered by the State of Texas. In the summer of 1975, one man's concern for the well-being and betterment of the entire human race led to the establishment of the organization. In January 1978, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father, Martin Luther "Daddy" King,
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The Black Heritage Society, Inc. is a self-help, non-profit organization chartered by the State of Texas. In the summer of 1975, one man's concern for the well-being and betterment of the entire human race led to the establishment of the organization. In January 1978, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father, Martin Luther "Daddy" King, Sr., addressed the Houston community. He commissioned Mr. Ovide Duncantell Jrlegacy during. In 1986, Jr. and the Black Heritage Society conducted our nation's first annual parade in honor of Revered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Years later, the Society continues to pursue the vision of Dr. King's Dream. The Society organizes an annual parade in his honor, aiming to foster pride and commitment among Black youth, enabling them to become productive and responsible citizens. The BHS is genuinely dedicated to the cultural, educational, social, and economic advancement of Black America, in line with Dr. King's aspirations. Notably, the late Founder Ovide Duncantell Jr. led the first MLK Jr. Day Parade and was instrumental in the street naming that honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States.
The organization aims to inspire, promote, and honor tr. Martin Luther King, Jr's legacy during the federal holiday weekend, which occurs on the third Monday of each January, The weekend includes a commemorative parade and celebratory festive community activities.
With a long history of fighting for equal justice and social accommodations for the rights of all, the organization subscribes to Activism, Advocacy, and Action on behalf of the underprivileged, underserved, and those seeking justice and equality. The Black Heritage Society maintains an official IPM license from The King Center in Atlanta, GA.
Black Heritage Society Inc. understands that low-income, disadvantaged, underserved, and marginalized communities continue to exist because of miscommunication, lack of communication, and wrong choices are som, which of the problems. Black Heritage wants to maintain the integrity of our history, current issues, informative conversation, and resources to make the world a better place for all.
Willard John Vital, LMSW, stood with his friend, the late Ovide Duncatell Jr, Founder and Executive Director, and other professionals amidst many challenges to launch the Black Heritage Society organization 47 years ago, which started the national movement for renaming streets after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and galvanizing support of a
Willard John Vital, LMSW, stood with his friend, the late Ovide Duncatell Jr, Founder and Executive Director, and other professionals amidst many challenges to launch the Black Heritage Society organization 47 years ago, which started the national movement for renaming streets after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and galvanizing support of a national MLK Holiday. Along with other passionate stewards of justice and civil rights, Willard Vital was able to perpetuate Dr. King's dream and legacy. His deeply inspirational and innovative leadership established the foundation the Black Heritage Society continues to follow and build.
The City of Houston is dedicated to remembering individuals who have enriched the Houston community with their many accomplishments. Therefore, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, proclaimed that March 24, 2021, will be recognized as "Willard John Vital Day" in the City of Houston in honor of the late BHS Founding Board President and Human Rights Activist.
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