George L. Burney was a civil and human rights activist in Louisville, KY for nearly 60 years.

As the leader of PRIDE (People’s Rights in Demanding Equality), he was best known for his annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. motorcade and memorial service, which began with 10 cars and multiplied to the hundreds that participated annually to honor the slain civil rights leader each January.

In 1954, Burney became the first black disc jockey on WLOU-AM radio.

For years, Burney lived in Oregon and Alaska before returning to his hometown in 1971.

Burney  fought for job equality for minorities and women and has helped find lawyers for those who can’t afford them.