Love Life Week: Honoring Giants and Community Spirit and Sunrise Ceremony on Alcatraz

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a recent heartfelt conversation on Hard Knock Radio, host **Davey D** welcomed community activist **Donald Lacy** to discuss the significance of **Love Life Week** and to reflect on the legacies of three influential figures: Reverend Arnold Townsend, Reverend Cecil Williams, and Dr. Nathan Hare. This year’s Love Life Week is particularly poignant as the community mourns the loss of these giants.

## Reflecting on Community Leaders

Donald Lacy shared profound memories of Reverend Arnold Townsend, whom he described as a “tireless advocate for the Black community.” Lacy reminisced about first meeting Townsend when he was just 19 years old at KPOO Radio. He noted, “He was a walking encyclopedia,” and his influence on Lacy was profound. Townsend was instrumental in the creation of the first School of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University and stood against injustices faced by the community.

“He told me something that day that became my motto,” Lacy shared, recalling Townsend’s insistence on advocating for the Black community while respecting all ethnicities. Townsend’s impact extended beyond activism; he connected deeply with families, including Lacy’s own, further solidifying his legacy within the community.

Lacy also reflected on Reverend Cecil Williams, acknowledging their shared commitment to activism. “They were all cut from the same ilk,” he noted, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these leaders in their advocacy for social justice. Williams and Townsend frequently collaborated, fighting for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities.

The discussion also touched on Dr. Nathan Hare, a pivotal figure in Black studies and activism. Lacy praised Hare’s controversial yet crucial work, particularly his book *Unisexialization*, which examined the complexities of race and gender during a transformative time. Lacy highlighted Hare’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the Black community through education and activism.

## Celebrating Love Life Week

As Lacy prepares for the upcoming **Love Life Week**, he invites the community to engage in a series of impactful events designed to honor lives lost and foster healing. This week-long initiative aims to promote love, unity, and community support, and it features various activities including town hall meetings, community service, and celebratory events.

Lacy explained the origin of Love Life Week, stemming from the tragic loss of his daughter, **Louise**. “I gave her that name because she loved life,” he shared. Louise’s spirit and activism continue to inspire the mission of the **Love Life Foundation**, which aims to empower youth and address violence in the community.

### Upcoming Events

1. **Youth-Led Town Hall Meeting**: Scheduled for **Tuesday at 6 PM** at the Youth Power Zone, this event will focus on youth perspectives and solutions for making Oakland a safer, more productive place. The current mayor will participate, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between youth and leadership.

2. **Feeding the Unhoused**: On **Thursday**, the Love Life Foundation will organize an outreach event to feed the unhoused, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to service and compassion.

3. **Recognition Ceremony**: The week will culminate in a ceremony recognizing the **1975 Golden State Warriors** and honoring the legacy of Al Attles, who helped shape the community and sport in Oakland.

4. **Moment of Silence**: On **Sunday at 9 AM**, the community will observe a moment of silence for all those lost to violence, including victims in Palestine and other areas affected by conflict.

Donald Lacy closed the conversation with a powerful reminder of the work ahead: “No one can be free until we’re all free.” His commitment to honoring the legacy of Townsend, Williams, and Hare is reflected in the mission of Love Life Week, which seeks to uplift, educate, and inspire the community.

For more details about Love Life Week and how to participate, visit [lovelifefoundation.org](http://lovelifefoundation.org).

We’re also joined by Morning Star Gali, a member of the Ajumawi Band of the Pit River Nation. She emphasized the importance of attending the sunrise ceremony on Alcatraz, which is a Native American island. Alcatraz represents a symbol of Native sovereignty and resilience.

Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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