The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Garland, Texas Unit will host its 35th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & March Saturday, Jan. 13, at 10 a.m. This year’s MLK celebration theme is “Fulfilling Dr. King’s Dream: Register and VOTE in 2024.” The grand marshal is national recording artist and Garland native, Reuben Lael Griffin.
Parade Route
- Parade starts on Dairy Road @ Garden Drive (near Embree Park)
- It proceeds north on Dairy Road to Highway 66 (Avenue D)
- West (Left) on Highway 66 (Avenue D) to First Street
- North (Right) on First Street to Highway 66 (Avenue B)
- West (Left) on Highway 66 (Avenue B) to Fifth Street
- North (Right) on Fifth Street to Austin Street
- Ends at Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth @ Austin Streets, downtown Garland
After the parade, the celebration will continue with “Lift Every Voice and Sing, the Musical” at noon. Students from Garland ISD and surrounding districts will perform in the musical which will be at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street. In addition to serving as parade grand marshal, Griffin will direct the youth choir musical. He understands the importance of participation in the choir and the MLK celebration performance as he joined MLK Citywide Youth Choir while in elementary school.
In addition, winners of the 2024 MLK Float Contest will be announced.
The celebration continues Sunday, Jan.14, at 4 p.m. when youth groups from area churches and the Garland ISD will showcase spiritual talents in praise dance and athletic talents in step routines. This performance will also be at the Granville Arts Center in the Brownlee Auditorium.
These meaningful, entertaining performances are free and open to the public.
Schedule
- Saturday, Jan. 13 – 10 a.m. – Parade
- Saturday, Jan. 13 – noon – “Life Every Voice and Sing, the Musical”
- Sunday, Jan. 14 – 4 p.m. – Praise Dance, Step Routines