41st Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Events And Parade Info

It’s that awesome time of year again! January brings the new year, new beginnings and the Birthday Celebration of Civil Rights Leader and ‘Drum Major for Justice’ Dr. Martin Luther King.

The MLK holiday parade comes to Downtown Las Vegas for the 41 year. Though Dr. King’s birthday is January 15, Las Vegas has celebrated its annual week of MLK Holiday events since 1981, just two years before it was declared a federal holiday in 1983. This parade from its inception, is the place where people from all walks of life including labor unions, schools, small business and families walk and march together.

The theme of the parade is important as it focuses on peace that can be created when everyone celebrates the differences of our neighbors. Communication is work but it’s the key to fairness and love with one another.

This year’s theme is ‘Living the Dream – It Starts with Me (Shifting Priorities to Create the Beloved Community“.  

I remember marching in the parade in junior high with the Jim Bridger Jr. HS Band, in high school with the Human Retaliations Club and in college with my Sorors, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated. It continues to be an honor to see the parade’s consistent growth through out the years. For me, parade day will always be a day of hope celebrated in community, togetherness and solidarity with the man who had a dream.

Vegas representation would not be where it is today without the Dr. Martin Luther King Committee of Las Vegas. The dedicated committee members headed by Wendell P Williams, Parade Chairman & Founder, work all year long to organize and vision the next year’s presentation of events. This year’s festivities kick off with the 5th Annual Tech Summit for local high school and college students, happening Friday January 13, 2023 at the Pearson Center.

The 41st Annual MLK Parade is Monday, January 16th at 10 a.m.

Line-up begins at 8:00 a.m. on 4th & Gass. For more information call 702-498-5888.

The Annual Scholarship Banquet is Saturday, January 14, 2023, at The Orleans Hotel and Casino at 6:00 p.m.

For the full list of local MLK holiday events CLICK HERE.

10 Inventions Made By Black Creators We'd Be Lost Without

• Hair Care Products & Straightening System by Madam C.J. Walker

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  In 1905, Madam C.J. Walker (real name Sarah Breedlove) invented an innovative line of African American hair care products and created a straightening tool, known as the hot comb. Walker was also a philanthropist and entrepreneur and became one of America’s first self-made millionaires. Her hair care products are still sold today.

• Automatic Elevator Doors by Alexander Miles

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  If you enjoy not walking up hundreds of steps, you have Alexander Miles to thank. Miles patented his invention for automatic elevator doors back in 1887 which allowed them to open and close on their own. Prior to his invention, elevators were operated manually by an operator or passengers which created a safety hazard for users.

• Automatic Refrigerator Equipment by Frederick McKinley Jones

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  Frederick McKinley Jones' invention of automatic refrigerator equipment helps us in our everyday lives. His invention allows large trucks to transport perishable products without spoiling which helps deliveries to grocery stores, blood banks, and medicines to hospitals. His original design was modified so it could be outfitted for trains, boats, and ships to service other industries. Between 1919 and 1945 he patented more than 60 inventions, 40 of which were in refrigeration. He died in 1961 and in honor of his efforts, he was awarded posthumously with the National Medal of Technology making him the first Black inventor to receive the honor. 
• The Ironing Board by Sarah Boone

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  You have to admit, wrinkles are just not cute so this invention is an important one. The ironing board was invented by Sarah Boone in 1892 which helps for a wrinkle-free fit. Boone was one of the first Black women in American history to be awarded a patent for an invention, per BlackPast.

• Super Soaker Water Gun by Lonnie G. Johnson

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  A lot of good times in the summer revolved around using a water gun with friends and you have Lonnie G. Johnson to thank for that one. Johnson invented the super soaker water gun in 1990 after serving for U.S. Air Force and then working for 12 years at NASA.

• Central Heating by Alice H. Parker

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  The reason behind why your home is warm during the cold winter months is due to an invention by Alice H. Parker. Parker invented the central heating system in 1919 using natural gas to warm our homes even on the coldest days.
• The Traffic Light by Garrett Morgan

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  Let's talk about this invention that helps us get from place to place to with the avoidance of accidents and to protect drivers. The traffic light was created by Garrett Morgan in 1923 to help keep traffic in order and drivers safe. 

• 3D Glasses by Kenneth J. Dunkley

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  3D glasses make experiencing action films so much cooler and for that, we can thank Kenneth Dunkley. Dunkley filed a patent for his 3D glasses in 1986 after discovering that blocking two points in our peripheral vision creates a three-dimensional effect.  That allowed us to experience movies in a new perception.

• Home Security System by Marie Van Brittan Brown

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  Protecting your home is important to all homeowners, and inventor Marie Van Brittan Brown was able to create the home security system to do this. Brown invented a two-way microphone and remote control operated door lock which stems as the foundation of more modern adaptations, such as using Alexa to lock the door and surveillance systems like Ring.
• The Fruit Press by Madeline Turner

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  In 1916, Madeline Turner came up with the idea to preserve the nutrients in fruits which is how the fruit press was born! Fruits such as apples and oranges provide important nutrients that can now easily be turned into juices to drink. The fruit press is the foundation of modern cooking technologies such as food processors which are used to break down anything you can imagine.