Communities across America celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this past weekend.
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, and each year, people come together to make their communities more equitable.
On this week’s “In Focus SoCal,” host Tanya McRae sits down with Donzaleigh Abernathy, an actress, author and civil rights activist. She is the daughter of Dr. Ralph Abernathy, who was one of King’s closest friends and mentors. He led the campaign to create MLK Day shortly after King was assassinated in 1968. Abernathy shares her memories of “Uncle Martin” and her father’s work during the Civil Rights Movement.
"He had this dream, and he wanted to accomplish so much," said Abernathy about King. "And at the very core of his message, and who he was, was love. I mean, the greatest love for all of humanity."
She shares a story about how she had the opportunity to meet Peggy Wallace Kennedy, who is the daughter of former Alabama Gov. George Wallace, who supported segregation.
“Peggy was so loving and reminded me that her father had met my father after he was in the wheelchair and begged for forgiveness for the hatred,” said Abernathy.
McRae also visits the Coalition for Engaged Education, a nonprofit organization on which Abernathy serves as a board member. It provides services for at-risk youth and young adults.
“We address each of the issues that they have, slowly and on a one-on-one basis, so that they can actually go on and have a better life,” said Roberta Shintani, executive director of the coalition.
LA City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson also joins “In Focus SoCal” to discuss the annual Kingdom Parade, which returned after two years of cancellations.
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