Martin Luther King Jr. Parade returns to Wilmington on January 19th

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After an unexpected pause in 2025, the Southeastern North Carolina Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee announced the return of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Monday January 19th on 3rd street and feature local bands, community organizations, churches, civic groups, and youth programs.

“This parade has always been more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of unity, resilience, and progress. We are energized and excited to once again gather as a community to march in the spirit of Dr. King and reaffirm our shared commitment to justice, equality, and service.” – SENC MLK Celebration Committee Members.

Wilmington native, Tamera “Ty” Young is the Grand Marshal of the 2026 SENC MLK, Jr. Parade. Young is a former assistant coach for the WNBA and known for her exceptional career at Laney High School and James Madison University and her selection in the 2008 WNBA Draft. Young played professionally with the Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, and the Las Vegas Aces.

WWAY will take part in the parade so don’t forget to stop by and say hello!

The Southeastern North Carolina Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will host a series of events in the community:

• Monday, January 12th — SENC MLK, Jr. Committee Press Conference
  • 10:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 401 South 8th Street
• Thursday, January 15th — Conversations for Peace
  • 6:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 401 South 8th Street
• Friday, January 16th — SENC Martin Luther King, Jr. Pageant
  • 6:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 401 South 8th Street
• Saturday, January 17th — Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Fun Day
  • 110:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Center, 401 South 8th Street
• Sunday, January 18th — SENC MLK Jr. Ecumenical Service
  • 11:00 a.m. at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2929 Princess Place Drive
• Saturday January 24th — NAACP Breakfast
  • 10:00 a.m. at The Wilmington Convention Center, 10 Convention Center Drive