Nation’s 2nd largest parade for Dr. King attracts crowd of over 200,000.
In February, 1985, a small band of men—composed of William Blair, five ministers and a few others—slowly beat a drum as they marched from the corner of what was then Forest Avenue and Lamar Blvd into Fair Park. As they stepped, the group praised a man of the People through a bullhorn. “Those on the street laughed at us, with our tiny contingent,” remembers Dr. Blair. “But that did not faze us one bit, for this was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we were honoring.”
Thus was born what is now called the Elite News Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, also known as The People’s Parade. Going into its 23rd year, the event is the 2nd largest MLK parade in the country. Last year over 200,000 people from across Texas (and beyond) came out to view the parade, and left inspired to make a difference in their own communities. The next parade will be on January 19, 2009.
A man who believed in equal rights for all people.
“Martin Luther King was truly a man of the people and a clergyman himself,” says Jordan Blair, son of Dr. Blair and publisher of the Elite News, a community newspaper in south Dallas. “My father and his friends started the parade because Dr. King represented the people as a whole, standing for human rights and working nonviolently to end racial segregation and discrimination.”
The parade is always held on the 3rd Monday of January, the date Dr. King’s birthday is celebrated as a holiday by most of the country. It also takes place on the street that today bears his name; this renaming was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Blair and other south Dallas leaders. Over 300 entries—including 25 bands and 18 floats—are included. Entries are allowed as long as they focus on Dr. King in some way. Past parade marshals include many Texas governors, singer Charlie Pride and actor/football player Fred “The Hammer” Williamson.
Zones a positive influence at MLK Festival in Fair Park.
The parade ceremoniously ends at Fair Park, where a kickoff breakfast and MLK Festival are held in and around the Grand Place Building. Besides the Festival’s Kid Zone (arts, crafts, games) and Health Zone (free screenings), the Entertainment Zone stage features orators who deliver some of Dr. King’s most famous speeches and educate attendees on important aspects of his life, such as schooling. Gospel, R & B and hip-hop artists also perform.
“Dr. King was an extraordinary man who did extraordinary things,” says Jordan Blair. “By carrying on his spirit and dreams, the People’s Parade and festival will influence future generations to be just that: men and women of the people.”
For more information on the Elite News Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, kickoff breakfast and Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, contact 214-372-6500 or go to DFWElitenews.com.
