January 20, 2022
LAWT News Service
On Saturday, January 15, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) hosted its 9th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service virtual event celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy promoting advocacy for justice, equality and equity.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't shy away from pushing boundaries. As a result, he brought greater equality and ensured basic civil rights for people, regardless of race,” said Long Beach Vice Mayor and South Coast AQMD Governing Board Rex Richardson.
“We must never forget him or his contributions. As we continue to fight for equal voting rights and social and environmental justice for all, we must all do our part to honor his memory so that his legacy may endure always.”
In her acceptance for the Environmental Justice for All Award honor bestowed on her at the event, Supervisor Holly Mitchell remarked, “Dr. King’s powerful message on being our brothers’ keeper transcended siloed issues. He taught us to develop a dangerous unselfishness.
His message is a mandate for our work toward environmental justice.”
“Dr. King's legacy teaches us to keep our heads up, dream for better times, and treat each other and our own selves with dignity and respect.” said South Coast AQMD Governing Board Member Gideon Kracov.
He continued, “It’s especially important for each of us to commit and work each day to reduce air pollution and environmental inequity. These are acts of love for each other, for our communities.”
“Dr. King felt that issues related to social justice were not mutually exclusive to that of environmental justice,” said featured speaker Dr. Marcus Goodloe. He continued that, “Martin Luther King, Jr. was a person of great courage because he was mindful of others.”
About 250 attendees joined in virtually for this year’s celebration, “Living, Dreaming, Believing in a Clean Air Future” which focused on how each of us can work for cleaner, healthy air to breathe, especially for our environmental justice communities most impacted by air pollution.
Viewers watching the virtual event saw powerful tributes from:
• KTTV “Good Day LA” Anchor Brooke Thomas, as Mistress of Ceremonies.
• Thomas Kepler, principal National Anthem performer for the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels, singing the National Anthem and provides musical entertainment.
• Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor, senior pastor of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church in Los Angeles giving the invocation and benediction.
• California Secretary of State and former Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus Dr. Shirley Weber presenting the keynote address.
• Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell honored with the Environmental Justice for All Award for her efforts, leadership, and contributions to help clean the air, protect public health, and improve quality of life for all.
• Dr. Marcus Goodloe, author of “KingMaker: Applying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Leadership Lessons in Working with Athletes and Entertainers” delivering an inspirational speech.
• South Coast AQMD Governing Board Members Gideon Krakov and Long Beach Vice Mayor Rex Richardson provide introductions.
The public can watch the full recording of the event on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/MrqKSh-c5rU.