The Black Heritage Society, Inc. endeavored to keep Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dream alive, forever, is proud to announce its 34th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Parade & Holiday Celebration. Please join us as we “Salute the Dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial.” How wonderful! Who would have known 15 years ago that our nation in correlation with the Spirit of Dr. King, that we’d be gracefully blessed to have the first African-American President seated over the historical dedication of the MLK Jr., Monument in Washington D.C.

 

In 1974, Ovide Duncantell, Executive Director of BHS, emerged as one of the driving forces behind the renaming of a major thoroughfare to Martin Luther King Boulevard. The street ran through a predominantly African American neighborhood. Mr. Duncantell’s zeal, persistence and enthusiasm resulted in the mobilization of the community in favor of South Park Boulevard becoming Martin Luther King Boulevard. The formation of organization grew from this movement and was most responsible for the success and implementation of changing the then South Park Boulevard to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.

 

Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. (“Daddy King”) was so impressed by the BHS fervent energy and gesture of respect, for his deceased Son, until he made a personal appearance at the Street Name Change and served as our first MLK Parade “Grand Marshal,” January 21, 1978. The street was christened by a City-Wide Parade down the newly named boulevard. Packed with such deep emotions, it seemed as if the elements were touched because it rained, sleeted, snowed (lightly), and was very cold. Despite these conditions, thousands of people braved the weather and stood with “Daddy King” and The Black Heritage Society staff marking the historic day. Ovide Duncantell made a pact with “Daddy King” to keep the remembrance of his son alive through this annual pilgrimage (parade) that would always be inclusive of all people. This promise has been kept since that day.