Civil Rights icon Xernona Clayton on living a life of service, operating in excellence and being kind
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Civil Rights icon Xernona Clayton says she’s very observant and has learned many lessons over the years—but says being kind fits every setting.
On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” and in honor of Women’s History Month, the pioneering broadcasting journalist and Trumpet Awards founder, talked candidly about being kind and operating in excellence—and how her mother’s words shaped the foundation of her life.
“She said, ‘There’s a price you pay for the life you live,’ ” said Clayton, who recently had an 8-foot statue erected in downtown Atlanta.
During the conversation, Clayton talked with show host Rose Scott about standing up for what’s right, helping others and continuing the work of her friend Dr. Martin Luther King, in establishing a Beloved Community.
“Right now, my next assignment that I’ve issued to myself is to build a village: five houses next to each other. One for a white family, a Black family, an Asian family, a Native American family,” said Clayton, who has spent more than seven decades of her life serving others.
She further explained that there’s no reason why Black and white people can’t live together.
“Under the skin, we really are the same—because we all came from the same source,” said Clayton.