Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of civil rights activists who helped launch the American civil rights movement, will give the keynote address as the University of Mary Washington celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
The daughter of Juanita Jones and the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, close friends of Martin Luther King Jr., Abernathy will discuss her in-depth knowledge and participation in the civil rights movement in an address titled “Remembering Uncle Martin.” The presentation will take place at 7 p.m. in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. The event is open to the public free of charge.
A powerful voice in today’s discussions on race and equality, Abernathy has in-depth knowledge about the civil rights movement through her participation in all of the major civil rights marches and through witnessing integral decisions being made that helped to shape American laws and society.
In 2004, Abernathy’s first book, Partners to History: Martin Luther King, Ralph David Abernathy and the Civil Rights Movement, was nominated as one of the “Best Books for Young Adults” by the American Library Association. Later, Emory University’s Brave New Works Project produced her screenplay, in which she starred based on a chapter in her book.
Abernathy received the 2012 Tanne Foundation Award for her work as an actress and writer. For four years, Abernathy starred in Lifetime Television’s critically acclaimed series, Any Day Now, and also has had recurring roles on the TV series The Walking Dead, Lincoln Heights, Dangerous Minds, House, 24 and Amazing Grace. Abernathy also gained acclaim from film critic Roger Ebert for her performance as “Martha-the slave” in Warner Bros. Studio’s Civil War epic, Gods and Generals.
In addition to her career as an actress, she has worked as an environmentalist for the Centers for Disease Control HIV/AIDS Awareness Program, Amnesty International and Artists for a New South Africa, She also was a founding trustee for the New Visions Foundation and a former vice president of the board of New Roads Schools of Santa Monica. Her life is profiled in the books No Mountain High Enough and Fearless Women.
For more information about the keynote address, visit umw.edu/MLKkeynote.
