The years-long dream of A New Day Foundation’s founder, award-winning actress, musician, producer and social activist, Dawnn Lewis, finally came true with the organization’s inaugural conference on May 26 at the University of Southern California.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted today to back legislation that would automatically remove or reduce certain cannabis-related convictions. Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Hilda Solis recommended support for AB 1793. The bill sponsored by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, would shift the work of identifying cases eligible for dismissal or misdemeanor status to the Department of Justice, rather than individuals convicted. “Thousands of eligible people around the state may be unaware of the opportunity to erase cannabis-related convictions and start anew,” Solis said. “The war on drugs primarily hinders communities of color, and our goal at the county is to give people second chances and remove barriers to employment
Prior to former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas’ resignation in December 2017, he spent the past four years serving the South Los Angeles community by taking on the state’s homelessness crisis, mental health and environmental issues. Although he is no longer serving in the assembly, Ridley-Thomas continues to be a voice and face of the community. This time however, he is taking his voice to the polls by encouraging California residents to register to vote!
Recently, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors spearheaded a motion to create policy for placing classified advertisements to publicize the county’s contracting opportunities in local newspapers and weeklies.
Last Wednesday, April 18, the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and its partners made history with the unveiling of Banc of California Stadium, the home venue for LA’s newest sports franchise.
The event was so well organized and received by residents that nearly 1,000 community members took advantage of the service.
Statement by Supervisor and Metro Board Member Mark Ridley-Thomas on the 710 Freeway
Earlier this month, Crenshaw High School football coach Robert Garrett won the 2017 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year. The Don Shula award is given to a coach who shows outstanding leadership to players during games and for their lives.
The Sentencing Project, a research and advocacy center based in Washington, D.C., estimates that nearly 6 million Americans are ineligible to vote because of laws targeting those with previous criminal convictions.
Religion and homelessness intersected on October 18 at a high-level roundtable hosted by the University of Southern California. More than 50 religious and civic leaders, including Archbishop José H. Gómez and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, gathered to share ideas regarding the homelessness crisis and how their communities can provide practical aid. The event was hosted by USC’s Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, Center for Religion and Culture, Office of Religious Life, Initiative to Eliminate Homelessness and the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. “In the Catholic faith, we have the commandment to loving God and loving one another,”
However, in light of the still-rising numbers, WeCanStopSTDsLA released an updated Pocket Guide to Sexual Health Services and Clinics in South L.A. on Sept. 20.
L.A.’s Promise Fund CEO Veronica Melvin thanked the Lucas family for investing in the South L.A. and also thanked the people who brought the museum to fruition.
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas mentions how having the Lucas Museum promotes arts and culture
Sebastian Ridley-Thomas explains his lineage and how they arrived in Los Angeles.