2 MLK Day parades honor late civil rights leader

Both parades started at 10 a.m.

HOUSTON – Thousands of Houstonians lined the streets of Houston on Monday to honor and celebrate the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

From those who remember segregation to the newer generation, everyone came to remember what King did for the United States.

The Black Heritage Society's 35th Annual Original MLK Birthday Parade and Holiday Celebration kicked off on Texas and Jackson in downtown Houston at 10 a.m. The crowd cheered as marching bands and organizations from around the city and around the state marched through the streets.

In Midtown, floats and marching bands also kicked off the 19th Annual MLK Grande Parade, starting at San Jacinto and ending on Webster. This parade also began at 10 a.m.

MLK Day holds special meaning on this Monday, since it is also the second Presidential Inauguration of President Barack Obama, who is our first African-American president. It is something that may not have happened without the sacrifice and dedication of King.

Ovide Duncantell, the founder of the MLK Original Parade, said it is so important to educate children about the life and legacy of King.

"We have a lot of battles right now, but we are winning," said Duncantell.