Donzaleigh Abernathy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donzaleigh Abernathy
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Abernathy speaking at the Virginia Military Institute in 2003
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| Born | August 5, 1957 (age 68) Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Emerson College |
| Occupation | Actress, author, civil rights activist |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Parent(s) | Ralph Abernathy Juanita Abernathy |
Donzaleigh Abernathy (born August 5, 1957) is an American actress, writer, and activist who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement. Her parents were key leaders in the fight for equal rights for African Americans.
Contents
A Childhood in the Civil Rights Movement
Donzaleigh Abernathy was born in Montgomery, Alabama, at a very important time in American history. Just before she was born, in January 1957, her family's home was bombed. This happened because her parents were helping lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a protest where Black citizens refused to ride city buses to fight against segregation (the unfair rule of keeping people of different races separate).
Her father was Reverend Ralph Abernathy, who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the Civil Rights Movement. Her mother, Juanita Abernathy, was also a dedicated activist her whole life. Because of their parents' work, Donzaleigh and her siblings were part of many major historical events.
Growing Up with the King Family
The Abernathy family was very close with Martin Luther King Jr.'s family. Donzaleigh and the King children grew up together. They went to the same schools, ate dinner together, and even went on vacation as one big group.
In 1965, after the famous march from Selma to Montgomery to demand voting rights, the Abernathy and King children helped integrate their elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia. This meant they were among the first Black students to attend a school that was previously only for white students, a big step in ending segregation in the South.
The children often put on plays for their parents. Donzaleigh has said that this was when she first started to love acting.
Career as an Actress and Author
After graduating from Emerson College in Boston, Donzaleigh moved to New York to start her acting career. She has appeared in many movies and television shows.
One of her important roles was in the movie Gods and Generals, where she played an enslaved woman named Martha. Film critic Roger Ebert praised her performance. She also had a main role for four years in the TV series Any Day Now.
Besides acting, Donzaleigh is also a writer. In 2004, she wrote a book called Partners To History - Martin Luther King, Ralph David Abernathy and the Civil Rights Movement. The book, which honors her parents and their work, was nominated for an award by the American Library Association as one of the best books for young adults.
Selected Film and TV Roles
Donzaleigh Abernathy has had a long career in film and television. Here are some of her notable roles.
Movies
- Camp Nowhere (1994)
- Gods and Generals (2003) as Martha
- Grilled (2006)
- Sleight (2016) as Mary
Television
- Murder in Mississippi (1990) - A TV movie about the Civil Rights Movement.
- Any Day Now (1998–2002) - She played Sara Jackson in a main role.
- Commander in Chief (2005–2006) - She had a recurring role as Patricia.
- The Walking Dead (2012–2013) - She appeared as Dr. Stevens.
- Suits (2016) - She played Gloria Danner in two episodes.
- NCIS (2021) - She guest-starred as an NSA Deputy Director.
See also
In Spanish: Donzaleigh Abernathy para niños
