GIFFORD — It was more than 50 years ago when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about pushing away the “darkness” and letting the “light” in as a nation. The Indian River County celebration in honor of his life that culminated with a parade Jan. 21, in Gifford, was more than proof that the “light” has emerged and Dr. King’s spirit remains as a legacy.
Even the rain clouds couldn’t contain the light and the sun came out, as if on cue, as the parade started.
For Tashicha Taylor, of Vero Beach, the annual parade and events are important to attend and be a part of.
“I like to come out, watch the parade and listen to the church service they have here,” Taylor said. “You’ll see a lot of people come out. You’d never believe Indian River County had so many people in it.”
The inauguration of President Barack Obama coinciding with the celebration of the dream and the life of Dr. King makes the day extra special, she said.
“I hope I get a chance to watch it,” Taylor said of the inaugural events. “That’s the only downside to having the inauguration on MLK Day.”
As spectators lined the roadways along the parade route, Gifford took on a festive atmosphere among the thousands in attendance.
Indian River County Sheriff’s Office led the parade, which began at the 17th Avenue and 37th Street intersection and ended at Gifford Park.
Elementary, middle and high schools countywide took part in the parade, with faculty, staff and family members marching and showing school spirit.
Organizations including Indian River Habitat for Humanity, Indian River Elite Track Club, Indian River Democrats and Indian River County Citizens Advisory and Support Group were all represented with members marching or driving floats.
Countywide law enforcement and emergency services also took part in the events and community leaders, from mayors to school board members, marched alongside them.
Like so many attendees, Regina Hawkins comes out for the parade and events every year.
“I’ve been out to watch the parade for at least the past 10 years,” Hawkins said. “It’s fun.”
The legacy of Dr. King is one that speaks to the best part of who we are as Americans, she said.
“It makes the younger generations reflect and keeps them aware of how far African-Americans have come,” Hawkins said.
This year, Hawkins invited her friend and colleague Teresa Baker to the event.
“It’s my first time,” Baker said. “I wanted to come out and celebrate Martin Luther King Day.”
The parade is a good event for the community, she said.
“He was a great man, with a great vision and he accomplished so much for our society,” Baker said.
As the last of the floats and parade marches wound their way into Gifford Park, participants and spectators came together in celebration. Children and families of all races gathered around barbecue grills with hotdogs and hamburgers cooking.
His dream—today very much alive—was acknowledged best by the smiles on people’s faces and the words of Dr. King, played from a recording, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
