Preparing for MLK . Parade Day

ODESSA, Texas (Nexstar) – Over the next few days, the country will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday for the civil rights leader is next Monday.

This year’s theme is action on dreams. It took more than 11 months to plan the freedom parade and all the weekend festivities leading up to it.

Odessa Black Denominations Council President Jo Ann Davenport Littleton says this year is all about the dream.

Davenport Littleton said: “Everyone has dreams but let’s give wings to those dreams, let’s put those dreams first and we want to empower the people you have a dream to make it happen.

The Freedom Parade is the biggest draw to the Odessa and Midland communities because of its historical setting.

Davenport Littleton said: “If you remember in the past we always held marches for freedom and you marched because there was something you disagreed with or you were upset so you marched in protest,” Davenport said. Littleton said.

Odessa’s Council on Black Culture says this year is all about celebration.

“We’re not going to march,” said Davenport Littleton. We’re holding a parade because we want to celebrate, celebrate Dr. King’s life, celebrate that we can at least show everything that’s going on in our community, so We are very happy.

The Freedom Parade will take place at I-20 and South Dixie at 12:30 p.m., and the parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at Woodson Center.