Boxers Join the Community Event!
The famed Henry Armstrong Foundation (HAF) took part in the 2019 Los Angeles International Peace Parade Festival recently held in Seoul International Park in Koreatown. Here’s my special report and snaphots from the day!
This annual event coincides with the anniversary of the L.A. riots, in which the neighborhood were ripped apart with crime and strife. But in the aftermath, the neighborhoods worked together to try and bring more solitude within the various cultures. On April 27, this peace march marked the 27th anniversary of the riots that rocked the City of Angels.
Leading the HAF group were the legendary champ’s grandson Edward Armstrong-Scott Jr., his wife Kimberly DuBose-Scott and granddaughter Katy, champ “Lil Oscar” Cantu, his wife Nicole and their 2-year-old son, Jaime, champions Paul Banke and Ronnie Essett, artist/trainer Steve Harpst and HAF team members Anthony Montero, Angela Stanfield and more.
Organized by the World Special Federation, L.A. Peace Parade Committee and the We Are One World Peace Foundation, this Saturday march showcased prizefighters, singers, dancers, community leaders, etc. who all walked the streets in a show of unity in a “We Are One” theme.
President John Kim took time to greet the Scotts, who have helped countless kids and teens through the years. Their non-profit organization continues in what the extraordinary Henr
y Armstrong began–helping and inspiring others. “Hammerin’ Hank” will forever be a part of boxing royalty; he earned 152 victories with 101 knockouts! The Hall of Famer won championships in multiple weight classes and defended his welterweight title an impressive 19 times. He was a Fighter of the Year winner and voted an all-time great by several publications.
Edward and Kimberly are following in his footsteps with the Henry Armstrong Foundation’s Youth Program (positive self-image, psychology, mentoring, sports). The duo had a special booth on display at the peace fest in which mustard seeds encourage an idea and dream to be born and blossom.
With the focus on youth empowerment, the HAF “The Only One” banners, shirts and postcards proudly honor the world champ with his quote: “I had an idea when I was a kid that I was going to make it.”
The boxing group had a great time greeting the fans and meeting the other participants. Carrying a large banner and flags, the fighters were happy to take part in this historic day promoting peace.
Oscar Cantu and his family live in Kingsville, Texas and were visiting L.A. during this parade weekend. Their adorable tot stole the show by fist bumping the boxers and parade goers during this knockout event. Cantu continued to train in the gym and may be back in the ring this summer. The Cantu family enjoyed the warm SoCal weather and being amongst their fight family.
It was a wonderful time catching up with everyone and being part of this positive movement. The Henry Armstrong Foundation had a strong show of support and a banner day at this 2019 peace march!
Photos by Michele Chong
