Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson Leading Through Crisis

We are in uncharted territory locally and on a global scale. The coronavirus pandemic is already having a drastic impact within our communities and the local economy. Fresh into his second term as City Councilmember, Marqueece Harris Dawson is helping our community adapt and persevere through this Coronavirus pandemic.

After Democratic Party’s Silence on Death of Two Black Gay Men at Democratic Donor’s Home, Jasmyne Cannick Won Her Election to their Board

After being ignored by her state and local Democratic Party’s leadership when she called attention to the crystal meth overdose deaths of two Black gay men at Democratic donor Ed Buck’s home– Jasmyne Cannick has won a seat on the Party’s coveted County Central Committee. On Super Tuesday, March 3, Cannick earned enough votes to secure her seat on the elected body that oversees the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.

Wesson Hosts Final Art Exhibit on The Bridge

His last exhibit is a display of legacy and contemporary stand up African-American comedians, producers, writers, publicists and venue owners.  The exhibition honors past African American stand-up comedians and features current African American comedians of achievement. In addition, local African Americans.

MLK Freedom Festival Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reminds Us of the History of Leimert Park

Every year on January twentieth, the South Los Angeles community gathers to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lowriders, marching bands, and drill teams help make up the largest MLK Day celebration in the country. The parade brings residents together from across California before culminating with the Freedom Festival at Leimert Park. For 35 years, the Kingdom Day Parade has brought residents together along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard and neighboring streets to celebrate social progress, acknowledge our past and look towards our future. For four years, Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Herb Wesson, and Curren Price, who each represent sections of South L.A., have hosted the MLK Freedom Festival to activate Leimert Park and engage residents to create community solutions. Despite this long-standing tradition, many residents do not know the history and significance of Leimert Park and how it relates to the legacy of Dr. King.

Transformational Development Builds Community at the Intersection of the 110 and 105 Freeways

On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, nonprofit Clifford Beers Housing, along with the Annenberg Foundation, The City of Los Angeles, and American Family Housing, held a groundbreaking celebration for Isla Intersections. Isla will provide 53 apartments for individuals who have experienced homelessness, with 10 of these reserved for homeless military veterans.

Public Safety Program Helps Youth Find Positive Alternatives

Following historic lows in gun violence, the month of May saw an alarming spike in violent crime. Unwilling to accept the rise in violence, including the murder of South Los Angeles’ beloved Nipsey Hussle, Counclimember Marqueece Harris-Dawson launched a robust effort to address the root causes and effects of gun violence in South L.A. Traditionally, the summer tends to display an increase in violence. This summer program meets residents where they are with the resources they need to deal with trauma and intervenes to prevent youth from joining gangs and continuing cycles of violence.

The Evolution of Bakewell Media’s Taste of Soul Festival

For 14 years, Los Angeles has enjoyed the annual Taste of Soul Family Food Festival on Crenshaw Blvd. The day-long festival presented by Bakewell Media boasts over 350,000 visitors just last year alone. Taste of Soul has become an institution in the Crenshaw community and draws people from L.A. and beyond, coming to enjoy live music and entertainment on more than five stages, delicious food from hundreds of vendors and shopping – including blocks and blocks of art, jewelry, clothing, beauty products as well as a plethora of free community services. The festival is family-friendly and known for being one of the largest and safest events in Southern California. Originally founded by Bakewell Media CEO Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. in 2005, Taste of Soul has grown exponentially over the years, and Mr. Bakewell says he can’t believe it’s been 14 years since its beginning.

First AME – L.A. Hosts FAMU Marching ‘100’

More than 200 members of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Marching “100” performed outside of First AME Church of Los Angeles on Dec. 30, prior to their scheduled January 1 performance in the Tournament of Roses Parade. The band’s event at FAME was one of nine scheduled performances prior to the Rose Parade.  The band’s trip to Los Angeles was assisted by Los Angeles-based philanthropists and FAMU alumna Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who were among hundreds of worshippers and community members – including former FAME Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, a FAMU alum, watching the parade on a