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.
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.
Her only hope for the future is the power of a vote for politicians with true intentions for small communities. Local policies Kilpatrick uses her law degree to push.
“Policy is actually what creates the change," she explained.
It's the same message NAN founder Reverend Al Sharpton spread in his speech at the 2020 March on Washington.
“We’re gonna meet you senators at the poll on November 3rd. Whether we got to mail in, walk in, ride in, crawl in, we want our bill passed," said Reverend Al Sharpton from the podium.
Kilpatrick organized a watch party for the L.A. chapter to participate virtually from home. “We’re really excited to be able to live stream and watch the march together," she said.
Watching and reflecting on the demands for police reform and racial equality, from one coast to another.