Hybla Valley Residents Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

A small group gathered outside of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park in Hybla Valley Monday evening for a candlelight vigil celebrating the civil rights leader’s birthday.

“This is the 25th anniversary [of the holiday] and we made a point to be out here in the cold to celebrate this special day,” said Ron Chase, who is director of the Gum Springs Museum and Cultural Center and president of the Gum Springs Historical Society.

The assembly of about 10 Hybla Valley residents huddled under a tent outside the park to recite quotes commemorating the Reverend and sing “We Shall Overcome.”

Also on hand was Supervisor Gerry Hyland, of the Mount Vernon District.

“As we remember Martin Luther King, let today serve to us as a reminder that every person can do something to make a difference,” Hyland said.