Houston Hip-Hop star Chamillionaire has been chosen as the co-Grand Marshal of the 15th annual MLK Grande Parade.
The rapper will join local businessman Douglas M. Horn and publisher/motivational speaker Dr. Anthony Taylor as host of the parade.
Chamillionaire becomes the first rapper to ever serve as Grand Marshal in the MLK Grande Parade, which is the largest celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King in the nation.
Over 300,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will also honor U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee and Houston City Council Member, Peter Brown, for their work in various impoverished communities.
In addition to featuring over 30 award-winning marching bands from across the United States, the MLK Grande Parade will be lead by Cherry Point, North Carolina’s 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Marching Band.
The day’s theme is “The Color of Unity,” which will emphasize cultural diversity and tolerance amongst all races, something Dr. Martin Luther King emphasized, before he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Chamillionaire’s custom car shop Fly Rydes has also been designated to provide transportation for the State and City elected officials who are attending the event.
The 15th Annual MLK Grande Parade kicks off on Monday, January 19, 2009 in Downtown-Houston starting at 10:00 am.