HOUSTON – Due to weather-related public safety concerns, the City of Houston has made the decision to postpone the downtown Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade.
A separate Midtown parade and trail ride scheduled for Monday has also been postponed.
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The date of the 46th annual “Original” MLK Day parade, hosted by Mayor John Whitmire and the Black Heritage Society, has yet to be determined. A second MLK parade, the 30th Grande Parade, has likewise had to be rescheduled.
The city said Mayor Whitmire believes that safety of everyone involved is paramount.
“I made this decision based on the advice of Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, HFD Chief Sam Peña, and George Buenik, director of the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Public Safety, who all agreed that postponing the parade is in the best interest of public safety for parade participants, observers, and first responders,” said Mayor Whitmire. “For several years, the City of Houston and the Black Heritage Society have joined to hold the parade to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. While we will not be able to come together because of the forecast for dangerous wintery conditions, I urge everyone to take a moment on MLK Day to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings. Please check in on your family, friends, and neighbors to ensure they have what they need during the day and evening tomorrow.”
The MLK Boulevard trail ride in Southeast Houston, scheduled for 11 a.m. is also postponed.