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-Editorial
The Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Stone of Hope Awards on Jan. 31 at Prestige in Heber, recognizing local community members for long-standing service and contributions to the Imperial Valley.
The Stone of Hope Award is a multicultural recognition rooted in the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The name derives from King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech and references the Stone of Hope monument at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., where King’s likeness is carved emerging from what is known as the “Mountain of Despair.” The award honors individuals whose work reflects service, dignity, and community engagement.
The Stone of Hope recipients were recognized as “unsung heroes” whose efforts have had a sustained impact across education, social services, advocacy, and civic life.
Sara Griffen, executive director of the Imperial Valley Food Bank, was honored for her leadership in addressing food insecurity in Imperial County. Since arriving in the Valley in 2009, Griffen has overseen programs that expand access to food in communities facing high unemployment and limited resources.
“The Stone of Hope I work with is hunger,” said Sara Griffen, executive director of the Imperial Valley Food Bank. “But these other 10 honorees, and those who came before us — including my late husband — we all carry a stone. A stone can be a burden, but when you love your community and care about what you do, as the Bible says, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Thank you for this honor. I am grateful to this community for all it does to address hunger. It is real, it is serious, and together we can place our stones to build a better community.”
Rosalind Summers was honored for a lifetime of community and civic involvement. As a child, she was among those selected to help integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. In Imperial Valley, she has served in education advocacy, youth programming, and church-based service, and mentored students during her tenure at Imperial Valley College.
“When you’re doing service, you don’t look for awards — you just do the work,” said Rosalind Summers. “What matters is helping people, seeing them do better, and passing on what you’ve given so they can help others,” Summers said her purpose has always been to help in any way she can, including through a youth-focused radio program she directed, where her son and other young people gained hands-on experience while listening audiences learned from inspiring guests. The show featured youth from juvenile hall, members of the military, and other community leaders who shared information meant to guide young people in their present lives and future goals, combining education with music to reach and inspire the next generation.
Chris Naylor, owner of Top Notch Barbershop in El Centro, was recognized for providing free haircuts to unhoused individuals and children in need, organizing back-to-school events, and supporting families of children with autism.
Dolores Provencio, the first Latina elected as Imperial County registrar of voters, was recognized for decades of public service and advocacy. Provencio served as the county recorder, clerk, and registrar of voters until 2011, and supported youth employment and civic participation programs.
Darlene L. Crosby was honored for her consistent volunteerism and service through churches, civic organizations, and home health care, reflecting a lifelong commitment to helping others.
James Horn was recognized for his advocacy for working people and community engagement. Raised in a family with strong labor ties, Horn has supported individuals in need and remained active in civic and political life in the Imperial Valley.
Manuel T. Sanchez, a Vietnam War veteran, was honored for public service spanning veteran advocacy, community development, and local governance. His work included expanding infrastructure in Heber, supporting economic development initiatives, and assisting veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Enedina “Chacha” Cardenas was recognized for more than 30 years of service to at-risk youth through the Imperial County Office of Education’s Alternative Education program, as well as her continued mentorship of students, seniors, and young women through community and faith-based organizations.
Norma Aguilar, a Calexico native, was honored for advocacy focused on literacy, higher education access, and assistance to unhoused individuals. She is a co-founder of the Brown Bag Coalition and has organized community service initiatives for more than two decades.
John “Johnny” Hernandez was recognized for decades of public service and advocacy, including 34 years with the state of California, service on local boards and committees, and ongoing work supporting senior citizens and multicultural community programs.
Cindy Alba, executive director of Calexico Neighborhood House, was honored for more than two decades of leadership in social services, including early childhood education, food assistance, emergency shelter, and support services for women and families experiencing crisis.
