Honoring Black Heritage & Unity
Empowering Communities, Celebrating Culture
Honoring Black Heritage & Unity
Empowering Communities, Celebrating Culture
Black Heritage Society's Mission
Black Heritage Society - Mission
Organization Overview
Black Heritage Society Inc. is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity, civic engagement, leadership development, and cultural preservation through education, advocacy, and community action. Inspired by the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the organization empowers underserved communities by preserving African American history, promoting civic participation, developing future leaders, and fostering unity across diverse populations. For more than three decades, Black Heritage Society Inc. has served as a trusted community partner through educational programming, cultural celebrations, leadership initiatives, and civic engagement activities. Our work preserves the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement while creating opportunities for future generations to become informed, engaged, and compassionate leaders. Funding will support the expansion of year-round educational programming, leadership development, advocacy initiatives, historical preservation, and the continued development of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Plaza Historical Park and Museum.
Mission Statement:
Black Heritage Society Inc. advances equal rights and justice for all by advocating for freedom, equality, and empowerment—particularly for underserved communities—and by preserving African American history and culture through education, celebration, civic engagement, and the development of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Plaza Historical Park and Museum. Inspired by the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to learn, lead, and thrive while building stronger, more equitable communities.
Vision Statement:
We envision communities where justice, compassion, freedom, and unity create lasting opportunities for every individual to achieve their fullest potential. Through education, leadership, historical preservation, and civic engagement, we seek to inspire future generations to build a society rooted in equality, service, and shared humanity.
Statement of Need:
Although significant progress has been made since the Civil Rights Movement, many communities continue to experience disparities in educational opportunity, civic participation, economic mobility, and access to culturally relevant learning experiences. Youth and families often lack opportunities to engage with African American history in meaningful ways, develop leadership skills, or participate in community-building initiatives that foster unity and social responsibility. Black Heritage Society Inc. addresses these challenges through innovative educational programming, leadership development, cultural preservation, civic engagement, and public events that unite people across generations and backgrounds. Demand for our programs has grown substantially. To meet this demand, we seek funding to expand staffing, strengthen organizational infrastructure, increase educational offerings, enhance digital engagement, and advance the development of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Plaza Historical Park and Museum—a permanent educational destination honoring the Civil Rights Movement and African American history.
Programs of Impact: BHS C.O.P.E.™Creating Opportunities for Peace & Empowerment
Flagship Leadership Initiative
BHS C.O.P.E.™ is the signature leadership and community transformation initiative of Black Heritage Society Inc.Inspired by the philosophy of Kingian Nonviolence and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while building upon the work shared by Rev. Dr. Derek King, BHS C.O.P.E.™ equips youth, families, educators, community leaders, and organizations with practical leadership skills that promote peace, civic engagement, economic opportunity, conflict resolution, and community transformation. The initiative integrates:
- Leadership Development
- Kingian Nonviolence Education
- Civic Engagement
- Youth Leadership
- Economic Empowerment
- Community Service
- Advocacy
- Historical Preservation
- Family Engagement
Participants become ambassadors for positive ch, strengtheningthen neighborhoods through service, education, and collaborative leadership.
MLK Unity Parade
Producer of the Original MLK Jr. Parade, the MLK Unity Parade is one of the region's premier celebrations honoring Dr. King's legacy. Thousands of participants gather annually to celebrate diversity, recognize outstanding community leaders, and promote unity through service, education, and cultural celebration.
MLK Candlelight Vigil
A community gathering dedicated to remembrance, healing, peace, and reflection while encouraging ongoing dialogue surrounding justice, equality, and reconciliation.
Me & Voting: Elevating Civil Rights Learning
This initiative educates youth and adults about voting rights, civic responsibility, constitutional freedoms, and the importance of democratic participation through workshops, presentations, educational resources, and community discussions.
Taking the Nonviolence Pledge Action Program
Participants commit themselves to practicing nonviolence as a lifestyle through leadership development, conflict resolution, community service, and civic responsibility.
Children's Storytime & Literacy Initiative
Promotes early literacy while introducing children to African American history, diverse literature, and positive role models through storytelling, reading circles, and interactive learning experiences. KIds will enjoy The Color of History our Signature coloring book.
Black History Reading Room & Author Series
Celebrates Black authors, scholars, and historians while expanding public access to educational resources, book discussions, author presentations, and historical exhibits.
Advocacy & Community Engagement
Creates opportunities for residents to participate in public dialogue, community organizing, policy education, petition, and collaborative partnerships that address social and economic challenges.
BHS Podcast & Community Media
Expands educational outreach through interviews, historical storytelling, leadership conversations, and community discussions that preserve local history while amplifying community voices.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Plaza Historical Park & Museum
The organization's signature capital initiative will establish a permanent historical destination dedicated to preserving African American history and the Civil Rights Movement through exhibits, educational programming, public art, archives, and community gathering spaces. The museum and historical park will serve students, educators, researchers, tourists, and community members while creating opportunities for cultural tourism and economic development.
O & N Memorial Fund
The Namio & Ovide Duncantell Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to school and youth band programs facing transportation challenges that limit participation in parades and educational events. By reducing financial barriers, the fund ensures that more students can experience leadership, cultural celebration, and community engagement.
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Black Heritage Society Inc Beginnings
Honoring Ovide Duncantell Jr.
Honoring Ovide Duncantell Jr.
Honoring Ovide Duncantell Jr.
Ovide Duncantell Jr. was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After graduating from high school in 1955, he joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1959. He married a local girl named Naomi and moved to Los Angeles. However, he stopped in Houston to visit his new wife's brothers and ended up making Houston his perma
Ovide Duncantell Jr. was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After graduating from high school in 1955, he joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1959. He married a local girl named Naomi and moved to Los Angeles. However, he stopped in Houston to visit his new wife's brothers and ended up making Houston his permanent home. In 1969, he began working for the Anti-Poverty Program at the Houston Community Action Association. Later, he established his own organization called "The Central Committee for the Protection of Poor People."
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
Our Legacy & Future
Honoring Ovide Duncantell Jr.
Honoring Ovide Duncantell Jr.
make
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,
make
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.
Meet 1st Late President
President, Teresa Brewer RN/BSN
President, Teresa Brewer RN/BSN
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.
President, Teresa Brewer RN/BSN
President, Teresa Brewer RN/BSN
President, Teresa Brewer RN/BSN
Teresa Brewer, a native of Houston and graduate of Prairie View A&M University, spent 25 years working as an RN before deciding to pursue a new path. She founded Teresa Brewer & Associates Insurance Solutions LLC, serving Houston and the surrounding areas as a one-stop shop for all insurance needs. In 2012, she became involved with the Bl
Teresa Brewer, a native of Houston and graduate of Prairie View A&M University, spent 25 years working as an RN before deciding to pursue a new path. She founded Teresa Brewer & Associates Insurance Solutions LLC, serving Houston and the surrounding areas as a one-stop shop for all insurance needs. In 2012, she became involved with the Black Heritage Society Inc., managing fiscal responsibilities through HCEC, a 501(c)(3) organization she led. She later served as Vice President before being elected President of the Black Heritage Society in 2021. Since 2010, she has organized various community service events, including Community Health Fairs, Networking Meetings, Community Cafés, and Sewing Workshops. She considers it an honor and believes God has guided her in hosting these events.
As a Board member of the Black Heritage Society Inc., Teresa Brewer values the importance of history and the achievements of Black individuals in the Houston, Texas area. With a personal background shaped by her father, an entrepreneur, and her mother, a seamstress, Teresa graduated from Prairie View A&M University and became a registered nurse with a passion for helping others. Over the years, she has organized community health fairs, workshops, business networking meetings, and even founded a medical supply business before transitioning to a career as an insurance broker. She is honored to lead the Black Heritage Society Inc. toward new heights, enriching the community through the artifacts of the late founder and executive director Ovide Duncantells Jr., the Reading Room of History, and the Black Authors Book collection for adults and children. The organization also offers a podcast to share its proud history, including being the first to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an MLK Jr. Day Parade and a street naming, with his father, Martin L. King Sr., serving as the inaugural Grand Marshal.
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MLK Unity Parade 2026
Units Confirmed: 300+
ParadeParticipants: 6,000+
Spectators: 300,000+
Gold Standard Recognition
Additional Information
We earned a 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency! Learn more about our organization’s impact through our #NonprofitProfile on @CandidDotOrg: