At the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Parade Monday in Liberty County, residents lined both sides of Main Street as local officials and community leaders remembered the civil rights pioneer.

“Even though it’s a cold day, the enthusiasm is still here,” Liberty County Board of Commissioners Chairman Donald Lovette said. “I’m happy so many residents came out to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the dream continues.”

Patricia Burley Jackson was the Grand Marshall of the 2019 parade and remembered when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would visit her home as a young child.

“My father at one time used to be the president of the NAACP and when Dr. King and other civil rights leaders would come to Liberty County they would stay at the Historic Dorchester Academy but when they came on into Hinesville we would have them at our house,” Jackson said.

Jackson was also the first African American to graduate from Bradwell Institute in 1967.

“I was the first African American to graduate from Bradwell in 1967 and that was a challenge for me the entire year because I transferred there my senior year.” Jackson said. “Even though those challenges seemed hard for me to overcome during those days, I recognize now that some of those situations and experiences helped make me achieve things I achieved in life.”

The parade began at 10 a.m. and didn’t end till after 11 a.m. Many residents stayed throughout the entire parade even in the 40 degree weather.

“It’s always important to come out and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Liberty County resident Kimberly Moore said. “Especially in today’s world I want to make sure I keep hope alive and pass it to my baby.”