The Las Vegas King Day Celebration is one of the city’s most popular events.
In the past years, about 30, 000 spectators united in the streets of Downtown Las Vegas to watch the Annual MLK Parade celebration.
In 2021, however, due to Covid-19, the MLK Day Parade was transformed into a virtual experience. As of 2023 the parade is back in full effect for people to attend in person. And you can still enjoy it online and on television.
About – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
5 Things you may or may not know about Dr. King
- Born Michael Luther King Jr. on January 15, 1929
- Baptist Minister and the nonviolent Leader of the Civil Rights Movement
- He was imprisoned nearly 30 times
- Became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964
- Assassinated on April 4, 1968
About the King Day Celebration
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the only non-president to have a national holiday dedicated in his honor.
Legislation designating his birthday a federal holiday was signed in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan.
The first official holiday celebration took place in 1986, on the third Monday in January.
In the year 2000 every state in the union began observing his birthday as a holiday.
History of the MLK Parade
The MLK Day Parade was started as a way of honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. The parade has become popular for bringing the African American community together, by creating an atmosphere filled with positivity, peace, and love.
The first official MLK Day Parade took place in 1978 (before the holiday was federally recognized) and was organized by the Black Heritage Society in Houston, Texas.
The 1st MLK Day Parade was sanctioned by the King family. It was commissioned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s father, who served as the parade’s first grand marshal.
MLK Events Held in Las Vegas
To view events being held in Las Vegas during and after King Week, check out our events page @ www.lasvegasblackevents.com
