“As I reflect over this past year, I can’t help but feel so honored to have served as a Member of the California State Assembly and it’s such a privilege to continue that service. Together, we accomplished so much. We’ve given our small businesses the largest tax break in California history with AB 80 (Burke), fought for environmental equity for our communities and invested in our next generation by securing $4 million dollars in our state budget for the creation of a new Teen Center in our community. While the pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, I still believe our brightest days are ahead of us. Please join me in welcoming this New Year with a strong sense of purpose and a renewed sense of hope for our community. Happy New Year! – Assemblymember Autumn Burke, 62nd AD
“Don’t worry about a thing, because worry causes anxiety! ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God’ (Philippians 4:6). Rejoice in the goodness of the Lord. Thank God for what did not happen to you. Thank God for life and a reasonable portion of health and strength. Focus on what you have, not what you lack. Practice vigilance by safeguarding your health: (1) Get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; (2) Wear a face mask in public; (3) Wash your hands often; (4) Watch your physical/social distance; and, (5) Get tested. Don’t pass judgment on those who disagree with you. Pray that people will turn to the Lord.” – Pastor Mary S. Minor, Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church
“Make 2022 a happy and healthy year: Pay special attention to nutrition. Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Feed your mind with positive information. Feed your emotions: Form and maintain positive relationships. Feed your spirits: Pray, study the Word, worship and serve others. Exercise your body. Exercise your minds: Read a book a month. Exercise your emotions: Walk in love and forgiveness.
Exercise your spirit: Love God, yourself and others.” – Pastor Joyce Reece Kitchen, Emmanuel-Henry McNeil Turner AME Church
“Want to have a Happy New Year in 2022? How about sticking with the old and trying something new? The old… a solid faith filled, ‘yes Lord,’ to whatever comes our way. The new… become a disciplined learner. In particular, let’s learn whatever it takes to make those around us feel completely loved. Find ways to love God, love others, love our beautiful selves and our happiness assured!”– Pastor James K. McKnight, Church of Congregational Fellowship
“As we enter a new year, I pray and hope that our families are overwhelmed with blessings, happiness, and health. Let us not forget to spread kindness to those that need it the most during these challenging times. Family, here’s to a safe and healthy 2022! Happy New Year and Feliz Año Nuevo!” – Assemblymember Mike Gipson, 64 AD, Chair of the Assembly Democrat Caucus
“Make 2022 a happy and healthy year: Pay special attention to nutrition. Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Feed your mind with positive information. Feed your emotions: Form and maintain positive relationships. Feed your spirits: Pray, study the Word, worship and serve others. Exercise your body. Exercise your minds: Read a book a month. Exercise your emotions: Walk in love and forgiveness. Exercise your spirit: Love God, yourself and others.” – Pastor Joyce Reece Kitchen, Emmanuel-Henry McNeil Turner AME Church
“At the L.A. Civil Rights Department, we are so grateful to have the partnership of so many community-based organizations that believe in a more empowered and equitable city. In 2022, let’s carry that spirit of community forward – support your neighbors, join a community organization, and speak out against the hate and discrimination that threatens to move us backward. Let’s do all we can while we can to build an LA for all!” – Capri Maddox, Esq., Executive Director, L.A. Civil Rights Dept.
“We would do well to make joy our pursuit in the New Year. Joy is a state of contentment that does not depend on excitement, experiences, or events. In the Book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul affirmed that genuine joy, God-centered joy, comes from above. The One who came to give us abundant life and unexplainable peace, also promised unspeakable joy. So, if you want to have joy in the New Year, start with ensuring your position in Christ. Then examine your integrity (how are you living?) and focus on humanity (who are you helping?). Lastly, consider this thought: ‘Happiness is that thing that sneaks up on you while you’re busy making someone else’s day.’ – TaVon Morrison. Have a joy-filled New Year!” – Pastor George E. Hurtt, Mount Sinai Church of Los Angeles
“We are still here! And there is a reason that you and I seem destined for a victory lap in 2022. God said, ‘Just be faithful and available.’ Those who went before us paved the way with sweat, tears, and bloody encounters that led to shouts of ‘we made it’ every now and then! Now, it’s our watch! Yes, in this awesome moment in the history of humankind, let us own the struggle, pair up, and kick doubters to the curb. Whatever it takes, we must lead/follow/nudge forward our future generations. No excuses – no time for self-serving agendas. Lifting up the champions for freedom, justice and equity – watch out world. With God and together, we cannot fail.” – “Jackie” Dupont-Walker, MTA Commissioner and Ward EDC President
“Have a blessed and prosperous new year by following the instruction in Proverbs 3:5-6 – ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.’ If you trust in God, you will be alright!” – Dr. Betty Price, Crenshaw Christian Center
“As Kwanzaa draws to an end and we complete our annual reflections, let us remember, the future is our story to write, so let’s make 2022 the best one yet for our community. Whatever the new year has in store, we’ll be in it together as one community. Thank you for your support, thank you for your trust, and thank you for allowing me to be of service.” – Jasmyne Cannick, Community Advocate
“The fact that we survived another challenging year with reasonable health and strength is further assurance that God is still on the throne and will surround His children with love and protection no matter what occurs in the world. May the guarantee of His promises inspire you to maintain your faith and confidence in the Lord throughout 2022.” – Pastor Charles E. Blake II, West Angeles Church of God in Christ
“As we closeout 2021, I want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of those who have worked tirelessly in an effort to ensure equal opportunities for all. From battling COVID, to addressing re-districting, to providing food and other resources for those less fortunate, our struggles have been daunting, but our victories have been glorious. So, as we enter 2022, please know that everyone here at the Brotherhood Crusade remains committed to providing opportunities for all. We have a renewed and rejuvenated spirit to bring out the very best in our youth, in providing unlimited opportunities for our community and desperately needed assistance to our elders. None of this would be possible if not for the tremendous and enduring support that we receive from all of those who support our mission. I wish you all the best in this upcoming year and look forward to continuing the battle for equability and justice for all. God bless and be safe!” – Charisse Bremond-Weaver, President, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade
“There are five critical things people can do to live a Happy New Year in 2022. First and foremost, live a life of gratitude for all the blessings, lessons and resources you have received. Learn to appreciate what you have, instead of what you don’t have. Be the change you want to see in your family, in your life and your community. Be a blessing to others daily, whether it is a kind word or deed, even when you need to be blessed yourself. Step outside your comfort zone because that is where we experience our greatest blessings. Finally, don’t sweat the small stuff. Live, laugh and love freely. Forgive swiftly and completely. Pandemic Bonus: Get vaccinated, mask up and take your booster shot.” – Tracy Mitchell, President, Mothers In Action
“Say hello to your neighbor, a smile is the same in any language. Take every opportunity to connect in the ways we can, so we build a stronger community and stay rooted in our humanity.” – Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8thDistrict
“As we go into the new year, I reflect on how unprecedented these past two years have been for all of us. This pandemic has taken a toll on our children and families. Our community’s sense of togetherness was especially tested during this holiday season as we all work our way through safe ways of seeing our families and loved ones. But the very family bonds that hold our communities together also drive our resiliency. I know that we will bond together to beat this pandemic. Yet, we must continue to stay vigilant and to do our part. As Omicron cases continue to rise, we must continue to wear masks and encourage our family and friends to get vaccinated. Our community has suffered disproportionately through this pandemic, so we must do everything we can to save lives and protect those we love.
As we search for the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic, I promise you that I will keep fighting for us; I remain committed to ensuring that the Black community will not be left behind in the economic recovery. That means getting people back to work, uplifting our children by helping them catch up on lost instruction in school, and lending a helping hand to those struggling with staying in their homes. Stay safe in the New Year. – Malia Cohen, Chair, California State Board of Equalization
