Juanita Abernathy - 87

CHICAGO, Illinois – Juanita and Ralph Abernathy, Coretta and Martin King were the original dream team. They sacrificed together. They marched together. They went to jail together. They tore down the Cotton Curtain together. I’ve known Juanita Abernathy for more than 50 years. She was a woman of tremendous grace, strength and courage.

Ralph and Dr. King were full partners and best friends. Ralph, the grassroots, organizer was the wind beneath Martin’s wings.

Juanita was wind beneath Ralph’s wings.

We won Montgomery and Selma and put America on a new course. The King-Abernathy family was an integral part.


Juanita was warm and kind, brave and bold. She was a great and loving soul. I talked with her family today. I miss her very much already. While my tears may flow, my spirit soars with joy because Juanita Abernathy passed my way.

- Jesse Jackson