Black Heritage Society Inc. dba Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Foundation Inc.

The Black Heritage Society, Inc. is a self-help, non-profit organization chartered by the State of Texas. In the summer of 1975, one man's concern for the well-being and betterment of the entire human race led to the organization's establishment. In January 1978, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father, Martin Luther "Daddy" King, Sr., addressed the Houston community. He commissioned Mr. Ovide Duncantell and BHS to continue their work toward Dr. King's dream. As a result, late Founder Ovide Duncantell Jr. led the first MLK Jr. Day Parade in the United States.

The organization aims to inspire, promote, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the federal holiday weekend, held on the third Monday of each January, with a commemorative parade and festive community activities throughout the weekend. Our newest initiative is to add our BHS C.O.P.E. as a flagship program. BHS C.O.P.E will equip youth, families, educators, community leaders, and organizations with practical leadership skills that promote peace, civic engagement, economic opportunity, conflict resolution, and community transformation.

Read & Celebrate Black Heritage ---- BHS Children's Storytime Program Afterschool/Summer Academy

The BHS Children's Storytime program promotes diversity literacy, peace, positive leadership, civic engagement, and empowerment through a variety of engaging activities for all children and youth. Activities include poetry, short stories, art, cultural experiences, history lessons, sewing, speaking, film screenings, and crafts.

Our signature coloring book, The Color of History, invites participants ages up to 13 years old to learn about the life, legacy, and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., explore works by African American authors, and create their own poems and stories inspired by what they’ve discovered. The program wraps up with a focus on activism in honor of founder and executive Ovide Duncantell Jr., highlighting the importance of voting and sharing the story of the first MLK Jr. Parade and street naming he organized in 1978.

Youth and Teens 13-18 years old will work with The Color of Peace Coloring and Activity Book, featuring artwork of Civil Rights leaders, while building skills in leadership, communication, public speaking, civic engagement, community service, nonviolence, peace, and more. Local artists, authors, community heroes, and speakers are bound to get those creative juices flowing to the next level while working with our youth at these events. Sessions run on Fridays from 2 PM to 7 PM by appointment at our facility, or we can arrange a time at your location for convenience. The awards ceremony will be part of the MLK Weekend Holiday Event in January 2027, with more details to come. Each student will take part in at least 12 units of fun, hands-on learning in civic topics, mentoring, peace, leadership skills, culture, volunteering, history, art, and more. The program costs $240 per student, and your donation could help secure a spot for a child at no cost to them in the BHS Children's Program. We’re aiming to raise $6,000 so that 25 students can enjoy the learning experience and participate in the January 2027 awards and MLK Holiday activities. Help make a meaningful impact.

BHS Children's Storytime

BHS C.O.P.E.

Team Members