Dr. Adrian Dove, a lifelong civil rights and economic equity champion, was recently honored by the Los Angeles City Council. The ceremony, led by Councilwoman Heather Hutt and Councilman Curren D. Price Jr., recognized Dr. Dove’s contributions to social justice and his leadership of the Kingdom Day Parade, the largest and longest-running tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For over 40 years, Dr. Dove has carried the torch of King’s vision. A former Freedom Rider, he registered Black voters in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina during the height of the civil rights movement. His work on Philadelphia’s minority employment plan laid the groundwork for equitable hiring practices nationwide. At the federal level, his role as a special counsel to the White House shaped policies that dismantled systemic barriers to racial equality, including the establishment of the Office of Minority Business.
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Councilwoman Hutt praised Dr. Dove as a “living architect” of civil rights history, emphasizing that his influence extends beyond activism into high-level policy reform. “His work has not only broadened our understanding of civil rights,” she stated, “but has also inspired and empowered a new generation of leaders to carry the torch of justice.”
Councilman Price echoed these sentiments, highlighting Dr. Dove’s work with four U.S. presidents—Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. “He pushed for policies that expanded economic and educational opportunities,” Price said. “He ensured financial independence was within reach for Black and minority-owned businesses.”
Despite his numerous achievements, Dr. Dove’s mission remains unfinished. Now in his nineties, retirement is not in his plans.
Dr. Dove vowed to continue fighting—through media, advocacy, and direct engagement with policymakers. “I take this honor today as encouragement to continue on to my next career,” he said.
