Houston rapper Chamillionaire has been chosen as the Co-Grand Marshal of the 15th Annual MLK Grande Parade in his hometown, for both his career achievements and contributions to the community.

The MLK Day celebration in Houston is the country's largest, and for the first time, the co-grand marshal honor has been given to a hip-hop artist. So, in hip-hop fashion, Cham has provided transportation from his custom car shop, Fly Rydes, to wheel the state and city's elected officials through the parade.

The 15Th Annual MLK Grande Parade will take place on Monday, January 19, 2009 in Downtown-Houston, beginning at 10:00 a.m., and will kick off with military flyover. The parade's theme, "The Color of Unity," will emphasize cultural diversity and will feature more than 30 award-winning marching bands from across the nation.

In addition to Chamillionaire, the Co-Grand Marshals for the MLK Grande Parade include local businessman/philanthropist Douglas M. Horn, and publisher/ motivational speaker, Dr. Anthony Taylor.

It is expected to include more than 25,000 participants and will run for a duration of three hours, along a 1.5 mile route. It's also expected to draw 300,000+ spectators from around the country.

For more information on all upcoming MLK holiday events, visit MLKGrandeParade.org.