Dear Friends,
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Senator Bradford at California State Democratic Convention in San Diego |
February was a month full of inspirational events celebrating black history throughout the state. It is important for me to always reflect on the great achievements of African-Americans, and even more important during February. We can always honor those such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Frederick Douglass, but there are others who not only paved the way for African-Americans,but also changed the daily lives of all Americans. For instance, we have George Samon, who invented the clothes dryer; William Purvis, who invented the fountain pen; John Standard, who invented the refrigerator; Alice Parker, who invented the heating furnace; Frederick Jones, who invented the air conditioner; Alexander Miles, who invented the elevator; Lewis Howard Latimer, who invented the filament in light bulbs; Dr. Daniel Hale Williams who performed the first open-heart surgery; and Dr. Charles Drew, a black scientist, who found a way to preserve blood, which led to the world's first blood bank. Then, in 1966, Charles Drew University was founded in honor of his work, cultivating our future diverse health professional leaders, centered in the heart of the Watts-Willowbrook community in Senate District 35.
Honoring Black History Month, as we embark on the second year of the 2017-2018 legislative session, reinvigorates my drive to continue the fight for equity and equality for all Californians. Now that the month of March is upon us, spring is around the corner, and the bills I am authoring will be making their way through the legislative process. I hope that you reach out to both my District and Capitol staff with any input and support you may have on legislation this year, and we'll be keeping you updated throughout the process. As always, thank you for reading and see you soon!
Southern California Edison's 16th Annual Black History Month Celebration
On Friday, February 9th, I joined Pedro Pizzaro, President and CEO of Southern California Edison, to particpate in a Black History Month celebration that recongized Edison customers, as well as business and community partners for their work in the Los Angeles community. The fesitivies consisted of an awards ceremony for a local business as well as a powerful key note address by the President of Compton College, Dr. Keith Curry.
The Webb Family Enterprises, who manages McDonald Restaurants, received SCE's Energy Efficiency Participation Award for their investments in innovative green technologies within commericial real estate development. Family members and friends of the the Webb family attended the event, and I was impressed by their family bond and direct ties to the community.
Following the awards ceremony, Dr. Keith Curry of Compton College, offered his keynote address focusing on the importance of recognizing black history as an undeniable and critical aspect of American History, a sentiment I echoed when I presented the Black History Month resolution on the Senate floor at the end of February. I commend the Webb Family and Dr. Curry for their impactful work in our business and scholastic communities. I'd, also like to thank Southern California Edison and President Pizzaro for years of recognizing and hosting African-American achievement throughout Southern California.
First AME Church of Los Angeles: 2018 African American Heritage Month Worship Service
On Sunday, February 11th, I attended the 2018 City of Los Angeles African-American Heritage Month Worship Service hosted By First AME church. First AME's sanctuary was jam-packed with African-American local and state officials currently holding office or seeking office. Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, began the program by paying tribute to all the African-American leaders who sparked the activism and political involvement for communities of color within the region.
My colleagues of the California Legislative Black Caucus had the honor of being recognized by Pastor J. Edgar Boyd and First Lady Florence Boyd of First AME Church. Their tribute to us was especially impactful, because our state's first African-American legislator, Frederick Madison Roberts, was a member of First AME and served as an officer at this specific church.
Another highlight of the worship service was the US Postal Services unveiling of the 41st stamp of the Black Heritage stamp series, honoring the illustrious entertainer and civil rights activist, Lena Horne. The multi-faceted program was a moving event and I am appreciative to have been included.
Welcome Reception for Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad
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On February 15th, I attended the welcome reception for Dr. Anthony Samad, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Mervyn M. Dymally African-American Political and Economic Institute at Cal State-Dominguez Hills. This institute is housed at my alma mater and named after one of my most impactful mentors, former State Senator, Assemblyman, Lieutenant Governor, and Congressman, Mervyn M. Dymally. I was given the opportunity to share the importance of this institute for African-Americans throughout the state, as well as my vote of confidence for the leadership Dr. Samad will undoubtedly provide. Lynn Dymally, the daughter of the late Mervyn Dymally, also offered her appreciation for naming this institute after her father, who is often called the dean of African-American elected officials in California. Congratulations to Dr. Samad for his appointment and to the Dymally family for carrying on Mr. Dymally's legacy. It's our hope to grow the institute into a national think tank for African-American political advancement.
El Camino College Student Advisory Council "Black Excellence" Panel
On Thursday, February 22nd, I had the pleasure of participating in the El Camino College Student Advisory "Black Excellence" Panel. The panel discussion took place at the El Camino College Students Activities Center on campus. The panelists and I had the opportunity to share our personal successes, the barriers we had to overcome, and the habits which would allow students to be successful in their own pursuits. The panel consisted of Governing Board of Trustees President, Tom Brown, District Project Success Program Coordinator, Brian Mims, and Student Services Advisor, Clara Weston.
This was a fantastic event that provided great networking opportunities for not only the current and past students, professors and school administrators. I would like to thank El Camino College for convening this panel and for inviting me to participate.
California State University (CSU) Super Sunday Service
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On Sunday, February 25th, I attended the annual California State University Super Sunday Service at New Philadelphia AME Church in Long Beach. On this Sunday, CSU leaders, trustees, campus presidents and alumni visited nearly 100 churches across the state to deliver messages encouraging students to pursue higher education during CSU Super Sunday. This is one of many events supported by the CSU community to increase the preparation, retention and graduation of African-American students. The year-round partnership between the CSU and African-American community leaders throughout California provides direct outreach, support and preparation through college and career fairs, financial aid completion workshops, and "Cal State Apply" clinics. These large outreach efforts are critical at providing potential students with their educational options and helps clear pathways for their academic success. As a CSU-Dominguez Hills alumnus, I am always excited to share my higher education journey with those seeking more promising opportunities in a professional career.
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