By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Sacramento shone brightly Sept. 18 as four new stars were added to the Sacramento Walk of Stars. The honorees were philosopher and presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West, actress Merrin Dungey, basketball legend Bill Cartwright, and civil rights icon Nathaniel Sextus Colley, the only inductee honored posthumously.
It marked the first time all inductees were Black.
Family was a common theme among the honorees, who accepted their awards before a packed audience at Memorial Auditorium.
Dungey, an accomplished actress and producer known for her diverse roles in television and film, credited her family and school support for her pursuit of acting. “I followed the road step by step, and I was fortunate to have the confidence to keep going,” she said. “Growing up in Sacramento gave me that confidence because I had a great upbringing, a wonderful education, and parents who wanted great things for me and knew I was capable.” Dungey gained widespread recognition for her role as Francie Calfo in the acclaimed series “Alias.”
Dungey was introduced by her sister, Channing Dungey, chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, who recalled seeing her sister’s passion for acting during a play at UCLA.
“I could see on her face how much being on that stage meant to her,” Channing Dungey said. Merrin Dungey has appeared in several popular shows, including “Once Upon a Time,” where she played the Evil Queen, as well as “The King of Queens” and “Big Little Lies.” Her performances often are praised for their depth and range.
“When those around you believe that you can, you will,” she said.
Dr. West is a prominent philosopher, political activist, social critic, and author known for his influential work on race, class, and social justice. He earned his doctorate from Princeton University and has held faculty positions at prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Princeton.
“I am who I am because somebody loved me,” West told the crowd. “Sacramento will always be my home because home is where the heart is.”
West gained national attention with books such as “Race Matters” and “Democracy Matters,” which address critical issues in America. He is a passionate advocate for marginalized communities and a critic of capitalism and institutional racism.
In his signature style, West acknowledged the entire community.
“Everybody is a star because everybody can shine,” he said.
West also has been critical of both major political parties and has run for political office, including a bid for the Green Party presidential nomination in 2024. Throughout his career, he has blended scholarship with activism, remaining a vital voice in the fight for equality and justice. He credited Colley for his own success, stating he would not be where he is today without the legendary civil rights leader.
Colley was a notable attorney and civil rights leader in California. Born in 1914, he gained prominence in the legal community by advocating for civil rights for Black Americans. Colley’s siblings and grandchildren were present, with his grandson, Sacramento City Attorney Gary Lindsey, accepting the award on his behalf.
“This is a great time for us to learn about Nathaniel Colley. He was known as ‘Mr. Civil Rights,’” Lindsey said.
Ola Marie Brown, one of Colley’s daughters, shared her father’s passion for fair housing: “He believed everyone should have a place to live and be treated equitably when trying to obtain a home.”
Another daughter, Jerlean Daniel, emphasized her father’s commitment to equity and social justice. “He always told us we had a responsibility to make the world what we wanted it to be,” she told The OBSERVER.
Colley earned his law degree from UC Berkeley, becoming one of the state’s first African American attorneys. He played a significant role in landmark civil rights cases, advocating for desegregation and equal rights. A member of the NAACP, Colley served as the organization’s legal counsel, fighting against racial discrimination and injustice. He was deeply involved in community service, establishing programs to improve educational opportunities for minority youth. Colley passed away in 1992, leaving a legacy of advocating for civil rights and social justice.
Former professional basketball player Bill Cartwright was selected by the New York Knicks third overall in the 1979 NBA draft. He played a key role in the Chicago Bulls’ championship runs during the 1990s, contributing to three NBA titles in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Over a 16-season career, Cartwright played for the Bulls, New York Knicks, and Seattle SuperSonics.
“My first game was against Dr. J,” Cartwright recalled. “I was pretty much in heaven.”
Known for his strong defensive skills and midrange shooting, he also was recognized for his leadership on and off the court. In the book “Leadership on the Line,” Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky write about the notorious 1994 incident when Scottie Pippen refused to reenter in the final minute of a playoff game against the Knicks after Coach Phil Jackson selected Tony Kukoc to take the last shot – a shot he made – with the game on the line. Cartwright gathered the Bulls after the game without Jackson, who left it up to the team to resolve it, and tearfully called out Pippen for letting down his teammates. Pippen came back to play and the Bulls stretched the series to seven games.
Cartwright, who played at Elk Grove High School, thanked his father for instilling a strong work ethic. “My life is simple because I am a product of my parents,” he said. “My dad taught us to work.”
After retiring in 1995, Cartwright transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for several NBA teams, including the Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns. He also has been involved in community and philanthropic efforts, particularly focused on youth and education. Cartwright’s legacy is marked by his contributions to the game and his commitment to improving young lives.
“We are the Cartwrights; we’re proud people. Thank you for the star,” Cartwright said.
Previous Sacramento Walk of Stars honorees include MLB player and manager Dusty Baker, WNBA star and Olympic athlete Ruthie Bolton, and actor and activist LeVar Burton.For those who would like to tour the Sacramento Walk of Stars, a map can be found here.