Black Heritage Society Inc. Advocacy-Activism-Action Together we can!
Giving back through life-changing experiences.!
THE ORIGINAL 45th MLK JR PARADE
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THE 45TH ANNUAL ORIGINAL MLK JR.. PARADE LINE UP SUMMARY
CONFIRMED UNITS 160
TOTAL PARTICIPANTS 5,628
TOTAL UNITS LENGTH 1,472 FEET
SPECTATORS 30,000
The "Original" 45th MLK Jr. Day Parade & Weekend Festivities
MLK JR Festival
The MLK Jr Festival hosted by the Black Heritage Society is held immediately following the parade and ends at 5 p.m, at HERMANN SQUARE ON HOUSTON'S CITY HALL GROUNDS 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 GAME TIGHT, LEWIS JOHNSON & youth activities, and more. LOOK OUT & STAY CURRENT FOR CONCERT / PARADE REGISTRATIONS IN AUG 2023 & GALA INFORMATION ON THIS SITE!!
You don't want to miss it!
Sponsorship Partners
Our Partners
petitions
Mental Condition Petition
Gun Laws Change Now Petition
Mental Condition Petition
Mental Health Condition (Psychotic Disorders) Crisis Prevention Petition Goal: Save the Individual and the Child--Mental Health Laws Should Protect the vulnerable. Signing the Petition for a change in Mental Health procedures on abuse (emotional and physical) or neglect with Child involvement and open communication between state, CPS, and judicial System.
A Moral Call to Vote
Gun Laws Change Now Petition
Mental Condition Petition
Rev. William J. Barber II, Poor People's Campaign-- A National Call!
Gun Laws Change Now Petition
Gun Laws Change Now Petition
Gun Laws Change Now Petition
Sending to Governor Greg Abbot & Senator John Cornyn
Once more than 10,000 signatures are obtained, Congressman Al Green requests a copy.
Would you help us by signing the Petition?
Petition: The legal age change and banning the semi-automatic and assault weapons petition. By signing the Petition, you agree that Gun Laws need to change in the US. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the right to bear arms isn’t a “second-class right” that can be stripped from people unless they petition the government to exercise it.
1. Banning Assault Weapons and High Capacity Magazines
2. Raise the legal age to purchase guns to 21.
3. Red Flag Laws-Hold gun
4. Universal Background check
5. Gun Liability Insurance
Black Heritage Society Footprints in the Community
Local Businesses
New 2024 Children Day of Service at the Festival
New 2024 Children Day of Service at the Festival
We are supporting small business stimulus success in the community.
More than 50 vendors at the MLK Festival
The Black Heritage Society empowers lives socially, and creatively.
The MLK Jr Festival was well attended too!
Vendors and Food Trucks had no complaints and we're ready for 2024.
New 2024 Children Day of Service at the Festival
New 2024 Children Day of Service at the Festival
New 2024 Children Day of Service at the Festival
Immediately following the MLK Jr. Parade, the MLK Festival starts at Hermann Square in front of City Hall. Children are welcome to a corner to learn about Dr. MLK Jr and how they can serve others. In addition, we will have a craft, taking a picture to speak. So be sure to bring your little one by for a good time of serving.
OUR MISSION
"To fight for equal rights
and justice for all!"
The mission of the Black Heritage Society is to perpetuate the dream, aspiration, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by fighting for equal rights for all people.
We aim to inspire, teach, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the federal holiday weekend, which occurs on the third Monday of each January. A commemorative parade accompanied by other celebratory festivities and yearly community activities occurs throughout the Holiday weekend. In addition,
With a long history of fighting for equal justice and social accommodations for the rights of all people, the Black Heritage Society subscribes to Activism, Advocacy, and Action on behalf of the underprivileged, underserved, disenfranchised, and marginalized populations.
Our Late Founder and Executive Director, Ovide Duncatell, Jr.
Our Late Founder and Executive Director, Ovide Duncatell, Jr.
Our Late Founder and Executive Director, Ovide Duncatell, Jr.
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 Jr zeal, persistence, and e
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 Jr 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's fervent energy and gesture of respect for his deceased Son that he made a personal appearance at the Street Name Change and served as the BHS's 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, the first Grand Marshal. Duncantell Jr. and the BHS have since conducted the annual Original MLK Parade.
DuncantellJr 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
Our History and Future
Our Late Founder and Executive Director, Ovide Duncatell, Jr.
Our Late Founder and Executive Director, Ovide Duncatell, 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 organization's establishment. In January 1978, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father, Martin Luther "Daddy" King, Sr.,
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 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 Jr and BHS to continue their endeavor toward Dr. King's dream aspirations. As a result, the 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.
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 some 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.
Our Late Founding Board President, Willard J. Vital, LMSW
Our Late Founder and Executive Director, Ovide Duncatell, Jr.
Our Late Founding Board President, Willard J. Vital, LMSW
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.
Help Our Cause
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Foundaiton Inc is a 501 C (3) organization, and your donations are tax-deductible. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. Remember, our mission aims to inspire, teach, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's legacy. Thank you, Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Foundation Inc. dba Black Heritage Society Inc.
Guidestar Silver Level
Additional Information
We earned a 2021 Silver Seal of Transparency! Learn more about our organization’s impact through our #NonprofitProfile on @CandidDotOrg: