Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas is devoted to the growth of Leimert Park. The civic leader made the monumental plaza a priority after three years of the area being closed; it’s receiving heightened attention and councilmember Ridley-Thomas showcased some of the upgrades during the Juneteenth reopening celebration.
The heritage and culture of Los Angeles flows through the veins of the Leimert Park Village community. Businesses that took root near historic Leimert Boulevard reflect the neighborhood’s progress and elevation. In this quaint, Black artistic-mecca, comprised mostly of store fronts, restaurants and vendors in South L.A., there is a history pride for the community and culture.
The awareness brought on by activist Martin Luther King Jr., outlined a plan for empowerment; he addressed it to a society founded on freedom. King spoke of unity in a time of division, to celebrate his life and reflect on what he stood for, Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas paid tribute to King’s accomplishments; by curating the 29th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit during the week the nation celebrated Martin Luther King Day.
Los Angeles Public Officials must prove their loyalty and commitment every day they hold their position. Their oath includes preserving the health, safety, and protection of the lives of the community.
In the Council District 10 race, county Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
took a big early lead over Grace Yoo, an attorney and community advocate. Early
returns showed Ridley-Thomas with 61.61% of the vote.
More than a decade after its closure, the original Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital building has completed its transformation to a new and innovative healthcare facility—as the Mark Ridley-Thomas Behavioral Health Center. In a socially-distanced ribbon cutting, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas—in collaboration with several county partners—inaugurated the state’s first ever licensed Behavioral Health Center (BHC) that will provide fully-integrated inpatient, outpatient, and supportive services for some of Los Angeles County’s most vulnerable populations. “Over the last decade, we have transformed the MLK Medical Campus into a center of excellence that provides holistic care for our community,” said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas. “With the
Lula Washington Dance Theatre was presented $150,000 grant to create an outdoor dance class and performance space.
The times, no doubt are challenging, and the challenges facing District 10 and greater Los Angeles are mounting: COVID-19 is damaging the health and the livelihoods of thousands; the crisis of homelessness and affordable housing continues; wildfires are requiring an extraordinary resources from the entire state, and even the ability to vote by mail is under attack.
Due to the disproportionate effects of COVID-19, the need for assistance in Los Angeles has taken over certain communities. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas answered the call for help; in the past several weeks, he’s been traveling and delivering PPE to essential workers within his district.