The Divine Nine was in attendance during the annual MLK Parade in Downtown Las Vegas.

It was a beautiful day of unity, celebration and remembering Dr, Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on Monday with the annual MLK Parade in Downtown Las Vegas.

This year’s parade theme was “Living the Dream – Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.”

The parade is part of a collection of events during King Week. The events include the Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Summit, two church services, the Young Dreamers Awards Program and the MLK Scholarship Awards Banquet.

MLK Parade Brings Community Leaders, Businesses Together

Around 10 a.m., the parade started to lurch forward and made its way around the Downtown area. Businesses like Delta Airlines, MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment and other major companies took part of the parade.

Local politicians, nonprofits, small businesses and more also participated. Performances sparkled throughout the parade with marching bands, stepping squads, and cheer teams peppered throughout the lineup.

A highlight of the parade was the presence of the Divine Nine, historically Black Greek-letter organizations that have played a pivotal role in empowering communities and fostering leadership for decades. Members of these prestigious fraternities and sororities marched with pride, showcasing their deep-rooted commitment to service, scholarship, and social activism.

A major powerhouse behind the parade is Wendell P. Williams, the founder of the MLK Day Parade in Las Vegas. Wendell P. Williams is a former Nevada state assemblyman and a prominent community leader in Las Vegas.

According to the King Week website, the parade started with humble beginnings. In fact, only 13 organizations and people entered the parade when it first started in 1982.

“Just 13 entries took part in the first parade in January 1982. The first parade was so pitiful that I had some friends say, ‘We need to help you.’ The parade has come a long way nearly 45 years,” Williams said on the website.

Since the parade’s inception, the lineup has grown significantly, and the parade has become a fixture in the Las Vegas community.

Sign Up For The Jammin' 105.7 Rhythm Report Newsletter

Stay up to date on the music & entertainment news, Las Vegas happenings you need know, plus exclusive contests, games, and more!

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.