Local Chapter of National Action Network Brings Meaning of March to LA - Spectrum News 1

soworos.blogspot.com

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the nation. It was founded by Reverend Al Sharpton, who is leading this year’s March on Washington in D.C.

In Los Angeles, members of the local chapter brought the meaning of the march to Inglewood, then watched together virtually.

What You Need To Know

The 57th commemoration of the March on Washington was lead by Reverend Al Sharpton Friday

Reverend Al Sharpton is the founder of the National Action Network

Members of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Action Network stayed behind to continue community outreach

Members participated in the March virtually online

The push for change nationally starts in each neighborhood. A lesson Rasheda Kilpatrick, policy director for the National Action Network (NAN), was taught by example at a young age.

“That’s really where I started to get my love for fighting in the community, which was hearing my parents talking about the significance of the March on Washington," Kilpatrick explained. "Knowing that I’m part of an organization that’s keeping that legacy alive is really important to me."

The National Action Network is the organization that partnered with the NAACP to host this year's 57th commemoration of the March on Washington in D.C.

Most members from the L.A. chapter flew there to attend in person, but Kilpatrick was one of the few who stayed home to hold down the fort. Every day, NAN partners with the World Central Kitchen to give out 1,800 meals in Inglewood for any family in need.

“NAN has always been big in the community, whether it’s for our free legal night, whether it’s helping feed the community, so this is why I’m here with NAN because action is our middle name and we do action in the community," Kilpatrick said.

It's a community Gloria Martin has been a part of since the first March on Washington. As the secretary of NAN, she has watched years pass and said 2020 doesn't look much different than 1963.

“People are just dying everyday for nothing. I cannot believe it. You know, like I said, nothing’s changed! 57 years later. Same thing! Just look at the last few months, at how many black people have been killed by police officers," said Martin.

One of them was her own niece.

“In Lancaster, last year in October. She’s sitting in her car. Absolutely, shot her in the head. It’s just crazy how this just keeps repeating itself," she said.