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Centennial Commission approves $213,600 for MLK Jr. parades in 2026 and 2027
Summary
The commission approved a $213,600 grant to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee to fund production and running of the 2026 and 2027 MLK Jr. parades; commissioners and organizers discussed the parade’s history and downtown footprint.
Representatives of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee requested Centennial funding to support the 2026 and 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parades and the commission approved $213,600 for production and running costs.
Co-chair Shondell Newsome and co-chair Wendell P. Williams presented background on the parade, which the committee said has run for more than four decades in downtown Las Vegas and continued during the COVID pandemic with a virtual event. Newsome said the committee’s programming is built on the theme “Remember, Celebrate, Act.” Williams noted long-standing relationships with community leaders and families of Dr. King and the parade’s role as a civic and cultural touchstone.
Newsome and Williams described partnerships with local colleges and community groups, national King‑related organizations and a range of local sponsors. The committee’s presentation emphasized educational and service-oriented programming associated with the parade and said the event draws state and out‑of‑state visitors in addition to local audiences.
Motion and outcome: A commissioner moved to approve the grant request of $213,600 by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee for the 2026 and 2027 parade production and running costs; the motion carried by voice vote.
Ending: The committee will receive funds to support the two-year run; organizers said they will continue efforts to maximize downtown engagement and educational programming.
