This past week, on the California State Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Chris Holden recognized Gerald Freeny for his confirmation as the first African American president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Board of Directors. Freeny will provide leadership for the 130th Rose Parade on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
Dellums was a fierce, focused fighter for justice, an anti-war activist who served in the military, authored several CBC Alternative Budgets (budgets that focused on human needs rather than military buildup) and was an indefatigable fighter for South African freedom.
This was clearly a predetermined game wherein the will of the community (who refused to elect Vela twice in his previous election bids and came out strongly for me), the endorsements of Black elected officials (like Assemblymember Kamlager-Dove and Senator Mitchell who endorsed Ms. Shaw and Councilmember Harris-Dawson who endorsed me), the support of students, faculty, and staff (who all participated in an interview process and unanimously supported Valerie and me), and the qualifications of candidates did not matter. Instead, the seven-member Board, which already had three Latino males, appointed a fourth…who has no background in public higher education or any experience related to the post. He was nominated by a right-wing Trump supporter (Ernie Moreno) and the rest of the Board voted unanimously in his favor.
Throughout her life, Lois was known for her brilliant mind, excellent writing skills and her commitment to serving under-represented children and communities.
Our justice system was intended to be the one nonpolitical check on our two politicized branches of government.