Last week after a jury found former Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas guilty of corruption charges, California’s Black elected officials issued statements acknowledging Ridley-Thomas’s political leadership, many contributions to his constituents, and his track record of unapologetically advocating for policies that advanced racial equity and improved the lives of African Americans in the state.
“I am compelled to share my appreciation for the civic contributions of Mark Ridley-Thomas. Mark Ridley-Thomas has devoted his professional life to serving the people of Los Angeles. He has invested his time and energy to empower and uplift his community and constituents for decades,” said Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus in a statement. “His relentless commitment to helping improve the lives of others through public service will always be worthy of our admiration and appreciation,” Bradford added. I believe that this is a sad day for Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who worked with Thomas for more than 40 years. “And I feel that sadness personally,” she added. Bass described Ridley-Thomas as a “policymaker who made a real impact.” L.A. City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson took to Twitter to express his appreciation for Ridley-Thomas. “When those in power chose to forget our community, Mark Ridley-Thomas centered and uplifted us,” he wrote. “I certainly think people are shocked and saddened by what they’ve read. But I’ve also heard people share how much respect they have for the work that Mark Ridley-Thomas has done.” |
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