John Mack2
Derrick Mims (from the left), district director for California Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, presents a certificate of recognition from the state to John Mack, the 2013 Thurgood Marshall honoree. Mack also received a plaque from Darnell Hunt, director of UCLA’s Bunche Center for African American Studies
On Thursday, a day that marked the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Mack, a longtime civil rights leader in Los Angeles, told an audience attending the 24th Thurgood Marshall lecture that the march on Washington 50 years ago was a watershed event, a catalyst and inspiration that got the attention of millions of Americans and “set in motion an unprecedented drive for civil rights in America.”
 
Mack, who is vice president of the Los Angeles Police Commission that oversees and sets policy for the city's police department, delivered the annual lecture at Covel Commons. It’s part of a public lecture series sponsored by UCLA’s Bunche Center for African American Studies and named in honor of the late U.S. Supreme Court justice.
 
The civil rights leader highlighted the progress that has been made thus far in the struggle for justice and equality, citing examples of institutional reform in the private sector as well as in the Los Angeles Police Department. It’s proof that institutions can change, he said. But he emphasized that a lot of work remains to be done.
 
“Despite our best efforts, we still have big problems,” Mack said, calling on the audience to continue the struggle for civil rights and equality to ensure that everyone who is seated at the table of justice becomes a full partner.
 
Each year, the Bunche center selects a distinguished scholar, legal practitioner or activist who, like Marshall, has had a long and successful record of advocacy and who has made significant contributions to the struggle for civil rights.