Gloria Gray has distinguished herself as a leader in various roles of public service. To celebrate a stellar run for Inglewood City Council District 1, Gray was sworn in Sunday, April 30, by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the first Black woman to hold the powerful office.
Gray’s swearing-in by Bass emphasized her place within the constellation of Black women who are in office to advocate for the voiceless and underserved members of the community.
“I was absolutely thrilled and honored to have Mayor Bass swear me in,” said Gray. “She appointed me to a statewide water commission when she was in the assembly. She entrusted me with faith and confidence that I could be a leader in water at that level and represent the state.”
Gray is proudly referencing her 2010 appointment to the Delta Stewardship Council by Bass who was the assembly speaker at that time. Gray was the first African American and woman to serve on the council. She was also the first African American to chair the Metropolitan Water District Board in nearly100 years.
“The transformation of Inglewood has been nothing short of spectacular under the leadership of the Mayor and the City Council,” said Bass. “Gloria and I have known each other for a long time, and I know she will continue to work to serve the people around her.
“I will continue to collaborate with Mayor Butts and the Inglewood City Council because I know the importance of working with the city, county, state and federal governments in order to confront the homelessness crisis and create a safer, more equitable region for all.”
Inglewood Mayor James Butts was equally supportive of Gray, calling her “a very engaged resident” whom he has known for 13 years.
“Councilwoman Gray is a long-time public servant,” said Butts. “She served on the IUSD School Board and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, most recently as Chairwoman. She will be a very effective representative for the residents of District 1,” he added.
As the chairwoman of the Metropolitan Water District, Gray, like Bass, was in a history-making barrier-breaking position as a woman of color. A passionate water advocate, Gray was at the end of her term when her allies encouraged her to run.
Staying true to her campaign promise to be transparent, Gray outlined her first 100-day plan to develop channels for engagement.
“I plan to have a town hall meeting next month and to create a structure where there can be input from the community to come up with some resolutions for some of the issues,” said Gray.
“I plan on appointing commissioners. I also plan to have committees in District One, so I can get some input,” she said, adding that she will create committees dedicated to seniors, the youth, and the business community.
Gray capped her swearing-in festivities with a concert held by the Paul McDonald Big Band featuring Hope Diamond. She graciously thanked her partner, Leonard Tibbs, her daughters Monica Ector and Denise Mitchell, and grandchildren Michael Ector, Monet Ector, Ariss Mitchell, Arrington Mitchell, and Ariell Green.
