On this Juneteenth, I want to pay homage to past generations that paved the way for our communities to advance forward on a more dignified path. Let us take pause this Juneteenth to own our history. From the good, the bad and in between, it is through the trials and tribulations that the resilience of our human spirit radiates.
Curren Price Jr. has mounted a strong reelection campaign as the councilmember for Council District 9, which he calls the “new ninth.” During his last two terms, Price has chalked up a number of successes for his constituents, which rank among the most economically disadvantaged residents in the city.
: Council Districts (CDs) 8, 9 and 10 saw minimal changes in the final draft map to be submitted to the Los Angeles City Council by the Redistricting Commission. The adopted draft map, which passed by a 15-6 vote, featured adjustments to the three CDs with the city’s highest numbers of voting age African Americans. Most notably, Exposition Park is now located in CD 8.
Change is coming to the L.A. city budget in the form of reallocating resources. While some people attribute the budgetary adjustment as a reaction to cries of “defund the police,” key drivers on the Los Angeles City Council insist that the modification is simply a matter of addressing the needs of the community.
Councilman Joe Buscaino recently replied to a series of articles by the undersigned setting forth facts demonstrating that Watts is and has been a politically neglected appendage of Los Angeles. Mr. Buscaino takes issue with that contention and responds that Watts has not been neglected and cites several recent projects to support his argument. At the outset, we need to express appreciation for Mr. Buscaino’s efforts for the people of his district and his willingness to debate the larger political issues relating to Watts in particular, and the city generally. Healthy debate always leads to positive results. That said, let us take a closer look at Watts.
While this is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, it is also a pivotal moment in the history of Los Angeles. Although it is a time of crisis, we need to use it as time of great opportunity, a time to breathe new life into the marvelous minority communities of South-Central Los Angeles. In short, we need to embark on what may be called an Urban Marshall Plan designed to expand political power to minority communities and to promote fairness in the distribution of public resources. This is an opportunity to bring new hope to the poor and underserved who are suffering the most in these times of crisis, as they do in all times.
Councilman Price recently secured a historic, annual budget allocation of about $500,000 for the center in Council District 9
Home for hope gets a new location in South Los Angeles