LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Thousands of residents lined the streets of downtown Las Vegas on Monday to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 44th annual parade, one of the nation’s largest MLK Day celebrations.
The streets filled with drums, horns, and the voices of dozens of community organizations marching in the parade — a stark contrast to the event’s humble beginnings nearly 45 years ago.
What started with just 13 entries in 1982 now fills the streets, proof that Dr. King’s message still resonates with the community.
The parade is a centerpiece of King Week Las Vegas, an annual celebration focused on education, opportunity, and empowerment. This year’s events included the MLK Tech Summit on Friday, where students explored careers and future opportunities.
Community Participation
Legacy High School brought multiple groups to represent North Las Vegas, including its marching band, color guard, dance team, and JROTC. The Red Hat Soul Sister Dancers also showcased their talents throughout the parade route.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley participated in the celebration, bringing energy and community pride to the event.
“Today is just important because it’s history. It’s who we are. It’s who am I? Wanting my kids to see how much fun it is to come to a parade that Las Vegas has been doing since before I got here back in ’95,” Berkley said.
One parade attendee reflected on the significance of the celebration.
“I love to come out. I enjoy seeing everybody come together and celebrate Doctor King’s legacy and also his birthday,” the attendee said. “Seeing all the people celebrating and embracing in the moment is beautiful to me. So I love to come out and just see everybody connect and honor Doctor King.”
Events Continue
King Week continues this Friday with the Young Dreamers Awards, a free community event at Second Baptist Church. The celebration aims to inspire the next generation of leaders committed to King’s vision of progress and possibility.
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