How Jahmea Bent Fought For Social Justice at UCLA
While being a member of one of the top womens’ water polo teams in the NCAA, Jahmea Bent was advocating for Black athletes at UCLA.
While being a member of one of the top womens’ water polo teams in the NCAA, Jahmea Bent was advocating for Black athletes at UCLA.
Every year on January twentieth, the South Los Angeles community gathers to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lowriders, marching bands, and drill teams help make up the largest MLK Day celebration in the country. The parade brings residents together from across California before culminating with the Freedom Festival at Leimert Park. For 35 years, the Kingdom Day Parade has brought residents together along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard and neighboring streets to celebrate social progress, acknowledge our past and look towards our future. For four years, Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Herb Wesson, and Curren Price, who each represent sections of South L.A., have hosted the MLK Freedom Festival to activate Leimert Park and engage residents to create community solutions. Despite this long-standing tradition, many residents do not know the history and significance of Leimert Park and how it relates to the legacy of Dr. King.
During the past sixty (60) years, the South Los Angeles Chapter has continued to be a beacon in the community. The chapter has continued to provide support to community organizations that work closely with at risk children throughout South Los Angeles.
Adrian Dove, President and CEO, Kingdom Day Parade announced that California U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris is the Grand Marshal for the 2018 Annual Kingdom Day Parade.
“Now More Than Ever, We All Must Work Together” was this year’s theme for the MLK Parade which continues to unite, educate and motivate the community
In celebration of the 31st Kingdom Day Parade Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Council President Herb Wesson co-hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival & Freedom Fair on Monday, January 18 at the Leimert Park Village. The community event drew thousands of residents with entertainers on three outdoor entertainment stages and throughout Leimert Park featuring food trucks, veteran and employment services as well as counseling on health and wellness issues. Councilmember Harris Dawson was joined by Congresswoman Karen Bass, City Council President Herb Wesson, and Councilmember Curren Price. “On this day, we are so fortunate to honor Dr. King’s legacy by