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By Veronica Mackey
Today was a Good Day
“I picked up the cash flow
Then we played bones
And I’m yellin’ ‘Domino!’
Plus, nobody I know got killed
In South Central L.A.
Today was a good day.”
—Ice Cube
The 40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a welcome sight on President’s Day. Postponed due to the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires, it was actually divinely rescheduled. Had it gone on as originally planned, it would have coincided with the Jan. 20th Inauguration of Donald Trump—a man that most parade attendees associate with hate and racial division. Few mentioned the current White House occupant by name. Instead, they focused on the nice weather, Dr. King’s commitment to nonviolence, justice, racial unity and saving our democracy.
The parade was a breath of fresh air for the thousands that lined the streets of L.A. and those whowatched it televised live on ABC7. Hosted by ABC7 5 O’clock News Anchor Marc Brown andABC Morning Show Anchor Leslie Sykes, the 2-hour parade made its way along MLK Blvd, from Crenshaw Blvd. to Western Ave. Celebrities, politicians, marching bands, steppers, choirs, equestrians, floats and vintage cars were among the highlights. Reporter Michelle Fisher followed the action, with impromptu interviews.
“This is such a beautiful day to have such a beautiful parade,” said Civil Rights Attorney and Parade Grand Marshall Benjamin Crump, as he rode down MLK Blvd., enjoying the mild weather. “We have to stand and stay together to rebuild L.A. The people of Los Angeles are beautiful people. They are resilient people.”
Mickey and Minnie Mouse waved and danced from their Disney float as they traveled through the Crenshaw District. Disney’s first Black princess Tiana was there to greet the crowd. She has her own ride now at Disneyland. The “happiest place on earth” is celebrating its 70thanniversary.
Not to be outdone by Mickey and Minnie, Rampage (L.A. Rams mascot) made his appearance from a float along with Rams cheerleaders. The cuddly ram is always showing up somewhere. He really gets around.
The ever-fiery Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Inglewood) remembered Dr. King not only as a nonviolent leader, but a man who fought for justice:
“If Martin Luther King were alive today, he’d say, we have to fight to save our democracy. I see the hope in the people’s faces today, and they know I’m going to be on the frontline fighting,” she said.
“She (Waters) walks the entire route and has been doing that for 40 years,” Brown commented.
“She walks the walk,” Sykes said. Brown added, “in heels!”
Second District County Supervisor Holly J Mitchell was on hand to greet fellow Angelenos and remind people that “We are your L.A. County government.” A third generation Angeleno, Holly said she went to Audubon High School and grew up in Leimert Park.
L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, a familiar face during daily wildfire briefings, walked the parade route, and praised the tireless efforts of first responders. “It’s all about service and unity,connecting with others. It’s about putting others’ needs ahead of your own. I’m so proud of the work that our people do,” she said. Alvin Brewer, Assistant Chief Officer of DEI for the L.A. County Fire Dept., talked about the toll that the fires have taken on firefighters and how the department’s mental wellness team is helping.
Steven Bradford, former State Senator representing Inglewood, said he was there to inspire others to carry out Dr. King’s dream. “We can do this,” he said, “by understanding our history, understanding it’s not them against us. We’re all in this together. We need more unity now than ever before.”
The Baldwin Hills Alphas did not come to play. The men stepped and strolled their way down the parade route, giving homage to Dr. King, who was himself, an Alpha. The Compton High School Marching Band also strutted their stuff in blue and white outfits.
One of the most interesting sites was Metro’s replica of the 1950s Montgomery, Alabama bus that Rosa Parks rode in. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white man sparked the year-long bus boycott that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. The original was restored and now sits in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
Newly elected L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman told Fisher he intends to “bring back personal accountability to this city.” Boxing champ and friend Sugar Ray Leonard, who rode next to him, described Hochman as a cool person. “When you’re cool, you’re good,” Leonard said.
It’s only the third week in February, and already, we’ve seen entire neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Altadena destroyed by fire, 3 airplane crashes, the ending of Black History Month celebrations for federal workers, the beginning of mass deportation, and unchecked Nazi salutes by the president’s right-hand man. Having come through all of this in such a short time made this MLK Day celebration even more meaningful.
“I see joy everywhere, so much love and positivity. There is hope and diversity—all the things that make L.A. great,” said Wendy Granato, ABC7 President and General Manager.
