Ovide Duncantell, founder of Houston’s Black Heritage Society, has died at the age of 82. Best known for the original Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, Duncantell was a true civil rights legend. He was the first African American man to file for a position on Houston City Council. He was instrumental with the first food stamp office coming to the city. He was vital in the opening of Sunnyside Health Clinic (now known as Quentin Mease Health Clinic). Throughout his life he was a champion for improving the quality of life for African Americans in Houston. In 1974, he founded the Black Heritage Society, Inc. and through the organization he got a major road named in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s honor and organized the first parade. Mayor Sylvester Turner said, "The MLK Jr. Day Parade this January (2019) sponsored by the Black Heritage Society and supported by the City of Houston will be extra special as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remember and thank Ovide Duncantell for living a rich life of service. “