On Saturday, January 31, a large crowd of community members, friends and politicians gathered in Compton to celebrate the swearing in of Sen. Isadore Hall, III (D-Compton).
The ceremony, which was held at the Douglas F. Dollarhide Community Center, featured various speakers, some who knew Hall personally and some who knew him professionally, all of whom spoke highly of Hall and his achievements.
“I knew before he knew that there was a vision out there for him,” Dr. Alice Campbell, Hall’s former English teacher said. “I knew he was going to be something special.”
Attendees included former state senator Roderick Wright, Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Calif.), and various members of the Los Angeles City Council, including president, Herb J. Wesson, Jr.
“Isadore represents everything that’s right with this country,” Wesson Jr. said. “This is a good man and we need to embrace and continue to support.”
Hall, for his part, oversaw reforms to attract qualified teachers, increase public school funding, and brought one of the first major retail developments in 30 years, the Gateway Towne Center, to Compton, Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton said.
Perhaps due in part to Hall’s background as a pioneer of statewide education and fiscal reform, the expectations of his service were high for many speakers.
“I have the highest expectations for Isadore’s service,” said John Chiang, California state Treasurer. He brings the power to affect real change.
While expectations remained high, Hall’s achievements created an underlying sense of confidence, as well.
We expect great things from Hall, things that we know will occur, Wesson, Jr. said.
“He’s championed so many great things on behalf of our state,” Brown said.
For Hall, the moment was the perfect blend of present and past as he seemed pleased with the strides that the 35th district has made, with his help, in the past years and eager about the future of the 35th district.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done in the California legislature to save the state from the brink of financial collapse,” Hall said. “I’m proud to be part of this new dynamic and united voice.”
Hall also touched on key issues like education and uplifting the youth in his district.
“It’s time to acknowledge that every California student, regardless of your zip code, has an opportunity to go to college or learn a skill,” Hall said. Our youth need to be competitive, not only nationally, but globally, he said.
The ceremony also featured a live performance of the National Anthem by gospel singer Shonta Atkins and a soulful performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” by American Idol finalist Jacob Lusk and concluded with Hall’s swearing in by San Francisco mayor Willie Brown and the dedication of a street in Hall’s honor.
Hall thanked voters, his colleagues and in a tearful moment, acknowledged his mother for her love and sacrifice.
“Thank you for believing in me,” Hall said.
The ceremony ended on a positive note, with Hall acknowledging the change that he’s bringing to the South Bay district.
“This is a bold agenda, but this is the South Bay, we thrive on bold agendas,” Hall said.
