Together, we can.

 
In 1974, Ovide Duncantell Jr. created and became Founder and Executive Director of the Black Heritage Society Inc., emerging as one of the driving forces behind renaming a major thoroughfare to Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard. The street ran through a predominantly African American neighborhood. Duncantell's zeal, persistence, and enthusiasm resulted in the community's mobilization in favor of South Park Boulevard becoming Martin Luther King, Jr., Boulevard. 

The Reverend Martin Luther ("Daddy ”) King, Sr., was so impressed by the Black Heritage Society fervent energy and gesture of respect for his deceased Son until he made a personal appearance at the Street Name Change and served as the BHS first MLK Parade "Grand Marshal," January 21, 1978.  It was the first MLK in the nation.   A City-Wide Parade christened the street down the newly named boulevard. Making a pact and promise to Dr. King's father, "Daddy King," Duncantell and the BHS has since conducted the annual MLK Parade in Houston for 35 consecutive years. 

Duncantell is also responsible for the most recent announcement of the "Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Statue & Park Plaza, now under construction and scheduled to be completed before the "official Unveiling" of a memorial on January 20, 2014.  Our history Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Houston parade  ---MLK Parade Foundation 501c3

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 organization's establishment. In January 1978, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father, Martin Luther "Daddy" King, Sr., addressed the Houston community. He commissioned Mr. Ovide Duncantell and BHS to continue their endeavor toward Dr. King's dream aspirations. As a result, late Founder Ovide Duncantell Jr. led the first MLK Jr. Day Parade in the United States.

The organization aims to inspire, promote, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the federal holiday weekend, to occur on the third Monday of each January, with a commemorative parade and celebratory festive community activities throughout the weekend. 

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. 

Willard John Vital, LMSW, stood with his friend, the late Ovide Duncatell, 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 strong foundation with which the Black Heritage Society continues to follow and build upon.

The City of Houston is dedicated to remembering individuals who have enriched the Houston community with their many accomplishments.  Sylvestor 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.