Houston's 45th Annual MLK Parade returns to downtown

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Houston's MLK Jr. Parade & Festival is returning to downtown Houston for its 45th year.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will make an appearance as the grand marshal of the parade along with Rev. Derek King, nephew of the late Martin Luther King Jr.

The parade, coined as the Original MLK Parade, is hosted in partnership with the Black Heritage Society. It will start at 900 Smith St., Houston, at the corner Lamar Street, at 10 a.m. Jan. 16. Festivities will continue until 5 p.m. The parade route will make a loop and finish at the corner of Bagby and Dallas streets.

The festival will take place at Herman Park Square, 900 Smith St., in front of Houston City Hall.

"Over the past seven years, Mayor Turner has led our city through natural disasters, pension reform, and creating a more resilient Houston for the future. He also will leave a legacy of unity—bringing together diverse people in our city and putting Houston on the global stage,” said Teresa Brewer with the Black Heritage Society.

The parade will also be broadcast live on the city's HTV streaming platform.