African elders bless new leadership for the 64th Assembly District.
Mike Gipson, newly elected California Assemblymember for the 64th District was sworn-in at a public community ceremony at California State University Dominguez Hills on Saturday, Feb. 7.
“I am humbled to share this day with loyal supporters who elected me to this service,” said Gipson. “I am even more committed to tackling the quality of life issues in our district, including health, education, jobs, aging and public safety.”
Encourage by his energized supporters, Gipson states, “There’s a lot of work that must be done from the Wilmington Waterfront project, restoring Compton Community College, expanding sex offender community notification ordinances, increasing small businesses, to continuing the fight for fair wages and so much more. Our sleeves are rolled up and we are ready for the challenge!”
Approximately 500 people were on hand to witness the swearing-in. They were entertained by the Centennial High School Marching Band, Drummers and Drill Squad. Students from Bunche Middle School and California Cadet Corps recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Presentation of Colors. Juanita L. Watson and Ashleigh Rae sang, accompanied by keyboardist Rashad Howard.
Pastor Jawane Hilton (City on the Hill Church, Carson) was the emcee. Dr. Willie J. Hagan, president, California State University Dominguez Hills gave the welcome. Invocation was given by Rev. Jerome Fisher (Greater Zion Church, Compton) and Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez (Centro Cristiano Bet-El, Los Angeles). Bishop William Todd Ervin, Sr. (One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism Christian Church, Long Beach) gave the Benediction.
Speaker presenters included elected officials included Rep. Janice Hahn, Sen. Isadore Hall, State Controller John Chiang, Mayor Eric Garcetti (Los Angeles), Mayor James Dear (Carson), Mayor Aja Brown (Compton), Councilmember Joe Buscaino (Los Angeles), Councilmember Dee Andrews and (Fmr) Councilman Robert Farrell,
Dignitary presenters included Danny Bakewell, Jr., (Los Angeles Sentinel, L.A. Watts Times and Kappa Alpha Kappa fraternity); and a collaboration of African elders from various countries in the Motherland bestowed a special blessing on the Assemblyman.
Mrs. LeCresha Gipson introduced Chairman Jerome Horton, California State Board of Equalization, 3rd District, who administered the oath.
Rounding off the celebratory day, there was a free community ‘Praise and Worship’ Gospel Concert featuring choirs from local churches hosted by Pastor Frederick Howard at Southside Bethel Baptist Church, 10400 So. San Pedro St., L.A. 90003 organized by Psalmist Dwayne Johnson.
Mike Gipson, a former Carson City Councilmember was elected in November 2014 to represent the 64th Assembly District. The district includes the cities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.
