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Black History: Actress Donzaleigh Abernathy Talks about Civil Rights Struggles in America

February 17, 2011 by

[HTML1] Actress Donzaleigh Abernathy starred for four years as a series regular on Lifetime Television’s critically acclaimed dramatic series, Any Day Now. She received critical acclaim from Film Critic Roger Ebert for her performance in Gods And Generals for Warner Bros. She also starred in New Line Cinema’s comedy Grilled and Lions Gate’s comedy Leprechaun 6 – Back 2 ‘Da Hood. She was also the leading lady in the award winning HBO film Don King, Only In America, NBC’s award nominated The Tempest opposite Peter Fonda, in HBO’s award winning Miss Ever’s Boys and in the Directors Guild of America award winning Murder In Mississippi.

Along with her husband Dar Dixon, she has created, produced and directed the project St. Francis. She is upcoming in the independent film, 59 Seconds and can be seen in the TV pilot Delmar, CSI Las Vegas, Lincoln Heights (two episodes), House, Commander and Chief (six episodes), The Closer, Judging Amy and 24.

She was born in the midst of the American Civil Rights Movement to Juanita and Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, who created with his best friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a movement which changed the course of American History. Her life began with the bombing of her parent’s home, to attending all of the major Civil Rights Marches, to integrating the elementary school system in the South. Because the Abernathy home was the preferred meeting place for Dr. King, Dr. Abernathy and their staff, Donzaleigh had a myopic view into the integral decision making process that helped to shape American Laws and society by the creation of the Civil Rights Bill, the Public Accommodations Act and the Voting Rights Act.

To honor of her parents, Ms. Abernathy authored the history book, Partners To History, Martin Luther King, Ralph David Abernathy and the Civil Rights Movement, published by Random House/Crown. The coffee table pictorial of American History which is sold out was nominated as one of the “Best Books of 2004” for Young Adults by the American Library Association. Attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wrote the foreword.

Ms. Abernathy is a founding member of the Board of Trustees of the New Visions Foundation which created New Roads Schools and several other schools in the Los Angeles area. Her life is profiled in the books Fearless Women and Secrets of Successful African American Women.

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About Al Cole

Al Cole, “Mr. Romance,” has lived some life, and has paid some dues. Al, an African-American man(don’t let the blue eyes fool ya!), is the product of a very loving, very special, romantic mother and father. From the earliest age Al related to that generous, loving, romantic spirit that was nurtured in him.

Al has also seen oppression. Oppression can sometimes breed sensitivity and empathy. This aspect of living has caused Al to relate to women even more sensitively and empathetically. A sensitivity and empathy that Al calls “Romance.” Creativity rounds out the character. Al is a born and professional entertainer. Through Al’s singing and songwriting, his CBS Radio broadcasting, and through the depth of his voice, Al has learned many ways to deliver his “Romance” message—seriously, comically, sensually and spiritually. He has carried the Romantic word out to women…and to men too. And in the carrying of that message, Al has found that women and men from all backgrounds have often asked for his advice and guidance concerning their familial and romantic relationships.

Al has been particularly blessed to have women confide some of their deepest personal and relationship secrets to him. These “secrets” coupled with his own experiences and intuitions have combined in his offering both women and men some of the most powerful, enlightening, and mind-challenging guidance that they say they have ever received.

Al has been told over and over again by his fans, fans who affectionately call themselves “Al Cole-holics”, that his reflections, as well as his romantic words, could fill a book. The reflections, the romance, and the “secrets” have now been revealed in Al’s new book Romance for Women…& For All Mankind!

Al is also the Host of Al Cole: People of Distinction on WomensRadio. Al Cole: PEOPLE Of DISTINCTION is a unique show giving distinctive public figures the chance to talk not only about their great public accomplishments, but also notable aspects of themselves as individuals...what motivates them to create the things they do, their special goals and interests, their insights into life itself!