Los Angeles immortalized Herb J. Wesson Jr., renaming the First Street Steps at City Hall in his honor — a fitting tribute to a leader who transformed policy into progress. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, city officials, community leaders, and supporters gathered at Los Angeles City Hall, a landmark crowned by the Tom Bradley Observation Deck on its 27th floor, to celebrate Wesson’s impact.
At a ceremony attended by Mayor Karen Bass, Councilwoman Heather Hutt, and Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, city officials reflected on Wesson’s commitment to justice, economic reform, and community empowerment. The unveiling of the Herb J. Wesson Jr. Steps was a declaration that his leadership will forever guide the city he helped shape.
A video presentation, “Herb J. Wesson Jr.: A Legacy of Service and Progress,” highlighted his four decades of advocacy, culminating in personal remarks from Wesson himself: “The love you have shown me today — I will never forget.”
Hutt called Wesson a trailblazer, noting his historic tenure as the first African American President of the Los Angeles City Council. Her speech and open letter in the event’s pamphlet discussed his economic policies, homelessness initiatives, and commitment to inclusive governance.
Harris-Dawson praised Wesson’s policy-driven leadership, crediting him with shaping Los Angeles’ social justice and public policy framework.
Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr. invoked Wesson’s own words: “This is not about me. It’s about us.” He credited Wesson with championing a $15 minimum wage, fighting for criminal justice reform, and advocating for South Central Los Angeles’ underserved communities.
A tribute poster at the event further reinforced his impact, cementing his status as a visionary in governance, equity-driven policymaking, and civic leadership.
Herb J. Wesson Jr.’s leadership marked an era of bold policies and reforms. As City Council President from 2012 to 2020, he fought for economic justice, ensuring that over one million Angelenos rose out of poverty.
He enacted Ban the Box legislation to eliminate hiring discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals and established one of the strongest sick-leave policies in the country, securing protections for workers in times of crisis.
He tackled homelessness through the creation of the Homelessness and Poverty Committee and the passage of Measure H and Proposition HHH, securing billions in funding for housing solutions and social services.
Wesson’s influence extended beyond economics. Under his leadership, Los Angeles committed to shutting down coal-powered plants by 2025, prioritizing solar and wind energy for a sustainable future.
He played a pivotal role in securing the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, reinforcing LA’s place as a global hub for sports and entertainment.
He broke barriers, hiring the city’s first-ever female Chief Legislative Analyst, while advancing pay equity in sports and launching MyVoiceLA, a platform for city employees to report harassment and discrimination anonymously.
His decision to rename Rodeo Road to Obama Boulevard symbolized his dedication to progress, representation, and inspiring future generations.
As one observer stated, “The Herb J. Wesson Jr. Steps stand as a tribute to a leader who did not just walk the path, he paved it for others to follow. This dedication, a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ 2025 African American Heritage Month, rightfully honors Wesson’s legacy.”
