Lora King, Rodney King’s daughter, created a program dedicated to helping black fathers spend more time with their kids.
What We Know:
- On the 27th anniversary of the L.A. riots, Lora King launched the “I am King” program, a program that will provide parents with grants to spend on their children.
- Rodney King’s name became nationally known in 1991 when he was beaten by four white officers. A bystander recorded the incident, showing King being clubbed 56 times. A trial was held a year later where the four officers were acquitted, this verdict led to six days of rioting in L.A.
- In an interview with the L.A Times, Lora King said her father received a $3.8 million settlement from the city, and he used it to expose her to the “wider world.” King hopes the “I am King” program will afford black fathers and their children that same opportunity.
- King also explained to the Times that her goal is to retain her fathers legacy in the city. She said, “As long as I continue to follow my vision, he will always be represented.” Funds have already started rolling into the program, an anonymous donor donated $10,000 to help start. The funds can go towards anything from a family dinner, to a trip to Disneyland.
- King has reached out to fathers across America asking to hear their stories in efforts to consider them for the grant.
This isn’t King’s first effort to preserve her father’s legacy, and it’s safe to bet this won’t be her last.
