By Philtrina Farquharson | Contributing Writer
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(Courtesy Photos by: Karen Bass For Mayor)
This past weekend at the Microsoft Theater, Angelenos witnessed history. Karen Bass went on to assume office and became the first woman and second African-American to be elected mayor of Los Angeles.
Before Bass assumed office as the city’s chief executive, for more than three decades she paved the way for underserved communities advocating for equality, specifically for Blacks and Latinos.
In the 1990s, Bass, who at the time worked as an ER physician’s assistant, brought together a group of activists to create the nonprofit organization Community Coalition. This organization was a response to the cocaine epidemic that was predominately impacting Black communities not only in South L.A. but across the country.
To this day, the nonprofit works to help transform the social and economic conditions of South L.A.“ Karen Bass being elected is a big for the city because her values really speak to the policies needed at this moment. As an organization, we are excited, and we will continue to work with Bass to leverage every opportunity to uplift diverse folks all over the city,” said Patricia Guerra, Director of Organizing, Community Coalition.
Later in her career, Bass then went on to represent Los Angeles in the State Assembly and was elected to serve as speaker. While representing Los Angeles and Culver City in Congress, Bass helped protect small businesses during the pandemic and created policies to drive local jobs.
Fast forward to this weekend, community leaders, residents, and advocates came together to honor longtime House member Bass as she was officially inaugurated in the city she grew up in and worked so hard to evolve.
The notable event commenced with an invocation representative of the melting pot that is Los Angeles. Encouraging words came from Rev. Norman Johnson, Rabbi Sharon Brous, and Dr. Sadaegh Namazikhah, emphasizing peace, protection, and progression as the mayor and city.
The program included some musical encouragement from the gospel duo Mary Mary. Attendees were also delighted to witness singer-songwriter Chloe Bailey perform and legendary pioneer Stevie Wonder sing soulful tunes in celebration of the new mayor.
To make everything official, Vice President Kamala Harris had the honor of administering the oath of office, formally presenting Bass as mayor. In Bass’ Inaugural Address, she took time to share her vision for leading Los Angeles in a new direction by housing people immediately and making our neighborhoods safer, healthier, and filled with opportunity.
“It feels good to be a Black woman right now. I am vice president of the Black Los Angeles young democrats, and as a Black woman, this historical event shows us what’s possible. We don’t always have to be the staffers; we can be the ones in charge. Also, this is so inspiring as a native Angelino, just like Karen Bass, and her speech reminded us that it’s not just her, but we can all make a change together,” said attendee Shianne Smith.
As heavily mentioned throughout her campaign race, Bass’ first order of business was to recertify homelessness by declaring a state of emergency, and she did just that on Monday morning. One of the most significant issues in Los Angeles, as most know, is the unhoused residents that seem to have ravished the communities we know. Bass’s declaration will recognize the severity of this crisis and break new ground in getting people inside, hoping to change Los Angeles for the better.
“This is an incredible moment, I am looking forward to the future with Karen Bass as leader,” said attendee Luckie Alexander.
