On Dec. 13, the thunderous beats of the Hiza Yoo Korean Drum Team echoed through the halls of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME), marking a historic moment.
Councilwoman Heather Hutt, accompanied by her three sons – Hamilton, Hugh, and Harrison – walked down the aisles of her home church greeting a packed audience of community leaders, friends, and supporters. Each step reflected the strength and determination forged over nearly 30 years of public service.
Hutt, appointed to the Los Angeles City Council for District 10 in 2022, was elected to a full term as Councilwoman. Representing neighborhoods such as Arlington Heights, Koreatown, Mid-City, Palms, South Robertson, West Adams, and Wilshire Center, Hutt’s election solidifies her leadership in one of the city’s most diverse and dynamic regions.
FAME, founded in 1872, is Los Angeles’ oldest African American church and a pillar of strength and unity in the Black community, with a reported membership of 19,000. Its historic significance provided a meaningful backdrop for this momentous occasion.
The ceremony opened with a musical performance by the First AME Freedom Mass Choir, followed by a prayer and blessing from FAME Pastor Robert Shaw II and FAME Executive Pastor Ann Champion Shaw. Rabbi Joel Simonds of Wilshire Boulevard Temple then delivered an interfaith prayer, emphasizing the shared hope and diversity of the community Hutt serves.
Distinguished guests filled the sanctuary, including former Congresswoman Yvonne Burke — the first African American woman to represent the West Coast in Congress, former Congresswoman Diane Watson, City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Public Works Commissioner Steve Kang, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Other notable guests were County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Inglewood Mayor James Butts, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Councilmember Curren Price, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins, Metro Commissioner Jacqueline Dupont-Walker, and former State Senators Rod Wright and Isadore Hall III. Their presence underscored the broad respect Hutt commands as a leader.
In her address, Hutt reflected on the moment’s significance, her deep roots in Los Angeles, and her unwavering commitment to public service. As the first Black woman elected as a voting member of the 10th District, she acknowledged her journey while focusing on the work ahead.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for all of us,” Hutt wrote in her official welcoming open letter. “As councilwoman, I am steadfast in my commitment to serve you because I have faith in what we can do as a community.”
Yvonne Wheeler, president of the LA County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, encapsulated the importance of Hutt’s leadership, stating, “Your journey teaches us that when we serve with courage and integrity, we can transform challenges into opportunities and create a future that uplifts everyone.”
This swearing-in was more than a ceremonial milestone. Although Hutt was officially sworn in earlier at City Hall by City Clerk Holly Wolcott where she signed certification papers, this community ceremony forged a direct connection between Hutt and her constituents. It celebrated her historic achievement as the first Black woman elected to represent District 10 and provided the community with a chance to witness her leadership journey.
From the drumbeats that set the tone to the prayers that closed the event, the ceremony symbolized the strength of Los Angeles’ Black community and Hutt’s dedication to serving her city.
