The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and its after-event at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex drew hundreds of youth and community members to the heart of Gifford, showing that recognition of the federal holiday continues to grow larger each year, here and at celebrations across the country.
People lined the entire route, cheering in anticipation of the creative floats, marching bands and community organizations that made their way along 45th Street – also known as Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
The MLK parade honored not only the life and contributions of Rev. Dr. King, but also those of one of Vero’s longstanding activists, Elizabeth Jackson, who was chosen to lead this year’s parade as its Grand Marshal. Jackson holds Doctor of Religious Arts in Philosophy and Doctor of Religious Arts in Theology degrees.
The founder and senior pastor of Life Changers Global Nation Ministries, Jackson was chosen in recognition for her achievements to improve the community and bring resources to underserved areas. Jackson, who had donned a sparkling red outfit and waved in greeting from a white Camaro, is also the civic engagement and political action chair with the local NAACP and is the state deputy director for Faith in Florida.
For five decades following his assassination, Jackson turned King’s vision into a personal mission, signing up voters and fighting for civil rights.
Inspired by the man she calls a “warrior,” Jackson helped to restore voting rights statewide to formerly incarcerated citizens under the Voting Rights Restoration Amendment, passed by Florida voters in 2018. Amendment 4 restored voting rights to felony offenders, except those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, according to the Florida Commission on Offender Review.
Community leaders agreed that Jackson, who held voter registration drives and other educational events in Indian River County, was the right choice to lead this year’s MLK parade.
“She’s been out there grinding. Dr. Jackson is doing the valley work. She empowered her community. It’s important to recognize people like her,” said Tony Brown, president of the county’s NAACP chapter. “I’m proud she’s being honored.”
Embracing the parade theme, “Together We Are the Dream,” vehicles were decorated with some of Dr. King’s iconic quotes, including, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
The outdoor, family-fun event held afterwards featured poetry, Christian rap, mime showcase, dances and singing, as well as numerous vendors.
Religious leaders led the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” recognized as the Black National Anthem because of its uplifting lyrics, and gave inspirational messages.
Then, attendees enjoyed what many said was a series of powerful, moving performances from various artists, along with sets by the Indian River Charter High School’s jazz band and theater students.
“Don’t listen to the dream crushers,” said Jakiyah Parris, a 20-year-old Vero Beach poet who read a piece called, ‘We Are the Dream.’ “Keep pushing,” she said, charging everyone to work hard and believe in themselves.
Wendell Huckaby, 41, of Texas, who goes by the stage name “The Chosen One,” did a mime presentation as Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech played in the background.
Everette Mills, a worship leader at New Generation Apostolic Holiness Church in Vero Beach, performed Christian rap. Mills, whose stage name is Eternity PNR (Preaching and Rhythm), said most people only acknowledge King as a Black activist who fought for civil rights. But King, a Baptist church minister, was also a brother in Christ, a preacher and a man of faith who changed the world through ministry, Mills said.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
