2026 gRAND MARSHALS AND HONOREES
Charles Stamps – MLK Grande Parade
Charles Stamps is the Founder and Producer of the MLK Grande Parade in Houston, one of the largest annual celebrations in the U.S. honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Under his leadership for more than three decades, the parade has become a cornerstone cultural event, showcasing unity, diversity, and civic pride. His vision has brought together thousands of participants, from marching bands to community organizations, making the parade a symbol of progress and togetherness for the city and beyond.
Hakeem Jeffries serves as the Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives and represents New York’s 8th Congressional District. A dedicated public servant, he has been a strong advocate for social justice, voting rights, and economic opportunity. As the first African American to lead a major party in Congress, Leader Jeffries carries forward the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy by working to build a more fair, inclusive, and united America.
Representative Reynolds was sworn in on January 10, 2011 as State Representative, House District 27. Ron is currently serving his eighth term in the Texas House. He is the first African American State Representative in Fort Bend County since Reconstruction. Reynolds was named “2021 87th Session Legislator of the Year” by Fort Bend United and The Young & the Politics. He was voted by his House colleagues as “Freshman Legislator of the Year” and “Public Servant of the Year” by the Houston Minority Contractors Association. He served as the House Minority Whip during the 83rd & 84th Legislative sessions.
Willie R. Davis is a lifelong Houstonian devoted to service and community. Raised in the Third Ward by a single mother in a family of ten siblings, he understands firsthand the power of family, faith, and perseverance. After high school, Davis answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Army from 1973-1976, including deployment to Vietnam. Following his military service, he pursued his calling in ministry. For more than 30 years, Davis has served as pastor at MacGregor Palm Community Baptist Church on Houston’s Southside, where he leads spiritual guidance and community outreach. Davis won the At-Large Position 2 seat in the Houston City Council in the December 2023 runoff, taking office on January 2, 2024 He serves all of Houston, representing the interests of the city at large rather than a single district.
Krishna Vavilala is the Founder and Chairman of the Foundation for India Studies (FIS), where he has championed cultural exchange and education for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, FIS launched the award-winning “Indo-American Oral History Project” and helped establish India Studies programs at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University. A retired electrical engineer and longtime Houston resident, Mr. Vavilala has dedicated his life to fostering unity, diversity, and community service. In 2022, he was honored with the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions.
For over 35 years, Kelvin Hampton and his family have stood as integral members of the Greater Houston community, operating A Better Bail Bond—a company that has delivered vital assistance to countless individuals in their times of need. Specializing in both misdemeanor and felony bond services, A Better Bail Bond offers 24-hour bail solutions, allowing residents in Houston to conveniently apply for an online bail bond in Downtown Houston if necessary. Beyond his role as a successful businessman, Hampton has shown an unwavering devotion to philanthropy, ensuring that disadvantaged children in Houston are filled with the spirit of giving and receiving during the holiday season.
Jalene Mack is an accomplished attorney, actress, playwright, and community advocate whose career reflects a deep commitment to justice, empowerment, and the arts. As the founder of Mack Law Group and the Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC), she has dedicated her life to using both law and creative expression as platforms for positive change.
Erik Wilson is a dedicated community leader, public servant, and advocate for social equity whose work reflects a deep commitment to uplifting and uniting the Houston community. Throughout his career, he has championed initiatives focused on education, economic empowerment, and civic engagement, building partnerships that create lasting impact and meaningful change.