Mayor Whitmire Announces Historic Unity Parade for MLK Day 2026

Mayor Whitmire makes a major announcement uniting two MLK Day Parades in 2026

June 10, 2025 -- Mayor John Whitmire has announced a historic agreement championed by his administration and supported by the organizers of Houston's two longstanding MLK Day parades to host a single, unified event in January 2026.

Following weeks of discussions, led by members of the mayor's team alongside At-Large Council Member Willie Davis, Teresa Brewer (President of the Black Heritage Society, Inc.), and Charles Stamps (Chairman & CEO of the MLK Grande Parade - Houston), both organizations have agreed to come together for one Unity Parade on January 19, 2026.

"I knew it could be done, and I knew it had to be done for safety, for cost, and most importantly, to properly honor Dr. King," said Mayor Whitmire. "For 32 years, many have tried and been told it couldn't happen. But two proud organizations came together, and we made it happen."

More details will be shared in the coming weeks by Mayor Whitmire, and representatives of the Black Heritage Society, Inc., and the MLK Grande Parade.

The mayor encourages all Houstonians to support the unity parade as spectators along the parade route or by marching or riding a float.

"I ran to unite this city," the mayor said. "And this is one of the clearest examples of what that looks like."