-Editorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee has announced the nominees for its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. “Stone of Hope” Award, an annual honor recognizing individuals whose lives and work reflect Dr. King’s principles of justice, service, and community leadership.
The 2026 nominees are Sara Griffen, Chris Naylor, Rosalind Summers, Dolores Provencio, Darlene Crosby, Jim Horn, Manuel Sanchez, ChaCha Cardenas, Norma Aguilar, Johnny Hernandez, and Cindy Alba.
Committee officials said the Stone of Hope Award is presented to community members who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to public service, civic engagement, and efforts to improve the quality of life for others. Nominees are selected based on their contributions to advancing equity, supporting underserved populations, and promoting positive social change.
The honorees will be recognized during a public ceremony scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Prestige Event Center, 1111 Yourman Road, in Heber.
Organizers said the annual event serves both as a recognition ceremony and a community gathering held in observance of Dr. King’s legacy. The program is expected to include presentations highlighting the work of the nominees and reflections on the impact of Dr. King’s message in the region.
Today, the Stone of Hope is best known as the central sculpture at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. The massive granite figure of King emerges from a larger “Mountain of Despair,” symbolizing the idea that hope, leadership and progress can be carved out of struggle.
Because of that symbolism, many organizations use the name “Stone of Hope Award” to honor individuals whose work reflects Dr. King’s principles—service, nonviolence, equity, and community empowerment.
Tickets and additional information about the event are available through the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee. Members of the public may also contact Ms. Lawson at 760-562-4666 or by email at Specialeventscoordinator@ivsjc.org or outreach@ivsjc.org.
