Hundreds ‘come together’ in Fort Worth for parade honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
January 20,2026
See full Fort Worth Star-Telegram article by Samuel O'Neal here.
Hundreds of people lined the sides of Houston Street in downtown Fort Worth midday Monday for the city’s annual parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The parade included dozens of floats, color guards, city leaders, politicians and shiny sports cars.
Benbrook High School and its marching band were among the first floats in the parade, accompanied by a group of student dancers . Arlington Heights High School’s ROTC club followed as a student leader shouted “Left, left. Left, right, left” as his classmates marched down Houston Street. Debbie Trotman, 63, of Fort Worth was with her grandchildren and said it was important for them to learn about MLK’s legacy.
“I came because I like to see the community together,” Trotman said . “Especially with all that’s going on in the world right now, I think it’s good for everyone to have this parade and come together as a community.”
The parade was attended by a number of local politicians or their representatives. Several dozen people holding up signs supporting Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s campaign for a U.S. Senate seat threw out candy as they followed behind sports cars in the parade.
Fort Worth City Council members represented in the parade included Mia Hall, Elizabeth Beck and Chris Nettles. Ramon Romero, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, drove through the parade in a bright blue 1960 Chevy Impala, waving to attendees while driving by.
People sat in folding chairs along Houston Street, waving at people in parade floats as they drove by and threw candy at children. The parade started at the Fort Worth Convention Center and ended at Sundance Square.
Some attendees showed up to claim their spot along Houston Street well over 45 minutes before the parade started at 11 a.m.
The parade started with police officers and color guard members raising the U.S. and Texas flags. Shortly after, a number of sports cars made their way down Houston Street. Each group of cars were divided by make: first several Mercedes-Benz, then BMWs and finally Corvettes and Ford trucks.
Vendors carrying huge bags of cotton candy walked up and down Houston Street selling the pink and blue treats to children who toughed out the frigid temperature to take in the parade.
Police officers on motorcycles also high-fived children sitting on the sidewalk down Houston Street as they drove by.
After the parade, a rally continued at Sundance Square that featured music, dancing, snacks, vendors and other celebrations.
“It’s all about turning up! It’s all about turning up today!” a man with a microphone yelled during the rally.
Monday’s celebration in downtown Fort Worth was the 41st annual MLK parade, hosted by the Greater Fort Worth Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee. The event aims to highlight unity in Fort Worth, the living hope of King’s dream and a lasting commitment to justice.
Location Mentioned: Sundance Square Plaza