Darryn Harris (courtesy)

“Darryn has more than a decade of experience working in public service at the local, state and federal level on behalf of the people of Los Angeles,” said Congressmember Bass. “His continued dedication to advancing social and economic justice for our area makes him well-equipped to serve in this role.”

“I look forward to continuing my work for the Congresswoman to make real advances for the people that we serve,” said Darryn Harris. “I firmly believe that with the right team you can do anything and I look forward to serving the people of Los Angeles, especially during this difficult time.”

The appointment was applauded by local leaders:

Karen Bass “Darryn has more than a decade of experience working in public service at the local, state and federal level on behalf of the people of Los Angeles,” said Congressmember Bass.  (File Photo)

“Darryn is a native son of South Los Angeles,” said Charisse Bremond, CEO Brotherhood Crusade. “He has a deep understanding of what our folks face daily.  Some of these issues, like police brutality, burst into the mainstream just last summer, but Darryn has made a real difference for years on things at the top of the Congresswoman’s agenda, like disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, supporting families, seeking real public safety, and increasing access to decent jobs.  Darryn will help assure that these things remain top of mind, while helping staff to work effectively at the highest levels.”

“Washington, DC needs more public leaders from the LGBTQ community,” said Ruben Gonzales, Executive Director of The Victory Institute. “Especially in the midst of a dual crisis – one on the public health level and one on the economic level – Darryn’s appointment is a really exciting step. I’m looking forward to continue to work with the office to advance the rights of the LGBTQ community.”

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“Darryn’s work in the community makes him the perfect selection for Chief of Staff,” said Jeffrey King, Founder and Executive Director of In The Meantime Men’s Group, Inc.  “Darryn has a long-standing track record of fighting for equity within spaces of privilege.  Harris remains connected to his strong roots in community while levering his capacity working for Congresswoman Bass. Darryn continues to be the ears, eyes and voice for marginalized, disfranchised communities. It was my privilege to work with Darryn on a homegrown, community-based project sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health that resulted in a decrease in risk behavior and ultimately a reduction in HIV rates among young black men in Los Angeles County.”

Darryn Harris received his undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University and his Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from the University of California Los Angeles. He is Founder and President Emeritus of the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats (BLAYD) and an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He has lived in Los Angeles his entire life.