Los Angeles Y President & CEO Alan Hostrup & Board Member John Emerson; CA AG Kamala Harris; Mrs. Patricia and Dr. James London; LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; and Y Board Chair Cristina Rose at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast, January 18, 2013
Los Angeles Y President & CEO Alan Hostrup & Board Chair Cristina Rose pose with LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was this year’s recipient of the YMCA Human Dignity Award, at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast, January 18, 2013
California Attorney General Kamala Harris delivers the keynote address at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast, January 18, 2013
L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Dr. James and Patricia London recognized for leadership, work for equality and social justice; California Attorney General Kamala Harris to deliver keynote address
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles hosted its 42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Brotherhood Breakfast to honor three individuals whose ongoing work strengthens and pays tribute to Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to equality, social justice and community service.
“Every year, the Los Angeles Metropolitan Y celebrates exemplary community leaders who demonstrate a longstanding commitment to making this city a better place for all,” said Cristina Rose, Chair, Board of Directors, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “These are people who share the Y’s mission to create opportunities for individuals and families to live healthier, more productive lives — to strengthen our communities by creating the kind of lasting and positive change to which Dr. King dedicated his life.”
The YMCA Human Dignity Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated leadership, compassion and support to persons who are disadvantaged and has made a significant impact on improving the quality of life for them, their families and their communities.
The 2013 YMCA Human Dignity Award was presented to Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas for his public service in bettering the health, wellness and lives of many residents in the county. During his first term, he helped direct more than $5.7 billion in investments toward new libraries, community centers, parks, community gardens, and vital medical and transportation infrastructure. In his second term, he will oversee the re-opening of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Los Angeles Y during this occasion where we mark the impact of such a historical figure as Dr. King,” said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas. “I look forward to continue working with the many dedicated individuals and organizations, like the YMCA, to live up to and advance his principals of compassion, equal opportunity and positive change.”
This year’s recipients of the YMCA Brotherhood Award were Dr. James London and Patricia London, the husband-and-wife team who founded South Central Scholars Foundation to support talented and motivated high school students from disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles. Founded in 2001 originally to help a student enrolling at the University of California-Berkley, the organization has since grown to assist more than 770 students advance to higher education. The Foundation provides college outreach support, bridge scholarships, college readiness assistance, jobs, internships, peer support and mentors.
“What started out as an effort to help one student has grown into a daily mission to help as many students as we can,” said Dr. London. “The Foundation works to fill a profound gap in resources and opportunities that often prevents gifted students in inner-city schools from going to their dream college, and developing the kind of skills they need for lifelong achievement.”
“We truly appreciate this recognition by the Los Angeles Y, and it is a privilege to work with such young talent,” added Mrs. London. “These high-achieving students are the next generation of leaders and the future of this country.”In addition to the awards ceremony, California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris was featured as the keynote speaker. More than 600 people attended this year’s event, which was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, and included leaders of business, civic and public life. For more than 40 years, the MLK Brotherhood Breakfast event has celebrated the diversity, strength and excellence of individuals who have sought, worked or led efforts to ensure our communities are more equal, just and fair for all citizens. The Los Angeles Y has given the awards to many deserving recipients, including more than 100 honorees
