Monday, January the 18th, was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Banks and businesses were closed, school kids across the nation enjoyed staying home, and some of us even got the day off work. It’s safe to say that most Americans enjoy holidays… but how many of us spend the day reflecting on the significance of the day, and what it means to our country? Cienega High School’s Head of Security Ron Burton does. And, not only does he spend the day in remembrance himself… he helps rally a community to do the same.
A long list of VIP’s were in attendance at the Renaming Ceremony of Noble Drive to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on Monday. Congressman Grijalva, Congresswoman McSally, Mayor Rothschild, NAACP President Dorris Snowden, and U of A President Ann Weaver Hart all took the stage. They all stood alongside Vail’s own Ron Burton to pay homage to Dr. King by naming a street after him.
The renaming is something that the community has been fighting for, for over 20 years. It was followed by the Annual Martin Luther King Day March, which Ron helped originate 31 years ago. Ron, along with the other march originators, and the Tucson Ministry Alliance, led the group of over 800 three miles to Reid Park. The group arrived to the sound Dr. King’s voice in his “I Have a Dream” speech. To conclude the amazing day the crowd watched group after group of talented artists take the stage… from Gospel Choirs to Step Kings! It’s people like Ron Burton, who stand up in the community to make a difference, that make Vail so great! We are proud of you Ron and the important work that you do.
