Permit Denied In Arlington's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

ARLINGTON, TX — The Martin Luther King Jr. parade that drew ire and protests has been cancelled, according to a press release from The City of Arlington. Parade organizers reportedly failed to meet event planning and security-related funding requirements, which resulted in the city declining to issue a permit for the largely advertised event.

According to the release, a permit is required for all parades held on public streets, in pubic parks or in other outdoor spaces owned by the city. The parade organizers did not meet certain payment criteria required to cover the cost of the parade.

Parade organizers were notified Thursday that the event would not be issued the permit, the release said. In the statement, the city encouraged local residents to instead attend the annual Arlington Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "Advancing The Dream'" celebration.

"The City of Arlington is proud to celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and his message of inclusiveness," the city wrote in the release. "The City is a long-time co-sponsor of the annual Arlington Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 'Advancing the Dream' Celebration, now in its 29th year. This four-day celebration, which includes a scholarship banquet, cultural events and a community Day of Service, is among the largest MLK events in the state."

Parade organizers Friday told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram they will appeal the decision, but a City of Arlington spokesperson said an appeal had not been filed as of early Friday morning.

The parade has been criticized by community members as well as organizations like the Arlington branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People after Texas governor Greg Abbott was asked to serve as honorary grand marshal.

The NAACP denounced the decision in a statement to the Dallas Morning News.

"As we review his career and public service, it is fair to say that Greg Abbott has done more to damage and undermine African-American and Latino civil and voter rights, educational opportunities and economic empowerment than any other modern-day Texas governor," the Arlington NAACP said in a prepared statement to The News.

Abbott defended the decision on Twitter, writing, "I am a Christian, I've committed my life to ensuring justice, I come in peace. The day will be a worthy celebration of all the good Martin Luther King Jr. did for America. I serve as Governor for all Texans."

The NAACP lauded the decision to cancel the parade Thursday evening, writing on Facebook: "VICTORY. The North Texas MLK Parade is canceled! The legacy of Martin Luther King Day will live on as it should."

Arlington's Advancing the Dream celebration will take place as scheduled from Friday, Jan. 12 to Monday, Jan. 15, 2018.

In the release, the city wrote" The City encourages the community to participate in planned activities, which are listed at www.ArlingtonMLK.com, and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy this holiday weekend."

Getty Images file photo: Eight-year-old Washington DC resident Isaiah Williams holds a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. during the annual Martin Luther King Holiday Peace Walk and Parade January 18, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)