Monday, January 21, 2013

Houston's two MLK Parades

Today is Martin Luther King Day - in addition to being inauguration day.

Houston has had two separate and competing MLK Parades for about two decades. One by the Black Heritage Society, the other by the MLK Parade Foundation.

The Houston Defender explains why there are two parades. It seems to be driven by personality conflicts, but has caused problems for the city in trying to deal with the competing needs of the two groups.

The history of MLK Day itself deserves attention - its been controversial since it was originally proposed following King's assassination.