by Caroline Abide, Contributing Writer

BILOXI (GG) — On the morning of Monday, January 19th, locals gathered along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Biloxi for the long-awaited return of the parade celebrating the civil rights leader’s birthday.

The parade did not occur in 2024 due to a reorganization of funding, and in 2025, it was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The parade route began on Howard Avenue at the Gruich Community Center and turned onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where it followed that road as it curves back to Howard Ave, passing the mural of Dr. King painted by Marian Glaser. The parade ended at Bellman Street, forming a complete loop.

Various organizations participated, including several local churches, the Biloxi branch of the NAACP, and dancers and marching bands from around the state. While the parade’s route was relatively short, anyone within the vicinity of Downtown Biloxi would have been able to hear the reverberations of brass instruments and deep rhythm of the drumlines.

Notable among these was the marching band from Mississippi Valley State, as well as Jackson State University’s “Sonic Boom of the South,” perhaps best known for performing with Usher at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2024.

The parade was followed by a Battle of the Bands at Doris C. Busch Park, where bands at both the high school and collegiate level showed off their skills to an enthusiastic crowd that filled up the bleachers lining either side of the park.  Though no winner was crowned, spectators dispersed with a festive air, some lingering to continue the day of celebration with family and friends in the crisp, sunny afternoon.

Some brought grills to cook out, and children’s laughter could be heard from the playground.  Residents will look forward to future iterations of the parade now that it has been reinstated. The event was organized by the Coastwide Dr. MLK Jr. Celebration Committee in collaboration with the City of Biloxi.

For more information, you can follow the committee’s Facebook page at MLK Coastwide.

(Photos by Caroline Abide/The Gazebo Gazette)