The weekend of December 17th, 2022 the California Black Women’s Democratic Cub celebrated historical victories of some of their endorsed candidates with recent political wins. A “Jingle Jam” celebration I had the honor of attending was held at the Blackbird Flagship coworking space in Culver City, CA on an inspiring Saturday morning. The Black Women’s Democratic Club brought together a power panel of Black women elected into positions of leadership who are ready for and committed to their work ahead.
As pictured above, this power panel of Black women includes: 1) Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, 2) LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, 3) Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, 4) Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, 5) Assemblymember Tina Mckinnor, and 6) Labor Federation President Yvonne Wheeler.
Keep reading to learn more, in brief, about the new positions these women have been elected to.
1. Mayor Karen Bass
Mayor Bass, a.k.a. “Madam Mayor,” is the 43rd mayor of the City of Los Angeles. Which makes her the first woman, the first Black woman, and the second Black person to ever hold the office in the 241-year history of Los Angeles. Her star studded and historic inauguration held at the Microsoft Theater included performances by the legendary Stevie Wonder, gospel sensation Mary Mary, and the poetic phenomenon Amanda Gorman to name a few.
Read more about Mayor Bass’ inauguration and her initial declaration as reported by Essence HERE.
2. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is a powerful board to to be elected to; Holly J. Mitchell is the newly elected 2nd district supervisor. Mitchell, who was also endorsed by the California Black Women’s Democratic Club, is now a part of a governing body the LA Times described as “seen as the most powerful local government in the country…” and now has an all-female led board for the first time in history. Thanks to Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s election win, this all-female board now includes a Black woman.
3. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove
Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove is another Black woman endorsed by the Black Women’s Democratic Club who has been newly elected to a position of political significance. Her election win of the 37th district house seat, previously held by Mayor Bass, follows her many positions of service including State Assemblymember and member of the California State Senate.
4. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas
Lola Smallwood-Cuevas has spent her life working to change “the tangible conditions for working families in South Los Angeles” according to her official website. Her history of service accredits this statement. Newly elected Senator Smallwood-Cuevas co-founded the LA Black Worker Center which grew to inspire the National Black Worker Center Network. In addition to serving as the treasurer of the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas has held various positions of leadership within civic organizations and has had her work recognized nationally by former President Barack Obama among others.
Read more about Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on her official website HERE. Up next is Assemblymember Mckinnor and then the first Black President of the Federaiton of Labor.
5. Assemblymember Tina Mckinnor
Assemblymember Tina Mckinnor is a newly elected member of the State Assembly. After the swearing-in ceremony she got right into legislative action by introducing the AB 1 bill, along with her co-authors from both The Assembly and also the State Senate. A bill that “will give non-supervisorial legislative staff the choice to organize and seek representation by a union that will collectively bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions.” Congratulations to Assemblymember Mckinnor.
6. Yvonne Wheeler – President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
The Peoples.POST blog post, Yvonne Wheeler: Another First for Black Women, is all about this election victory. The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor has been organized since 1885 and is just now celebrating its first Black female leader (not surprising, but worth mentioning). Read more about the Federation of Labor President, Yvonne Wheeler, and her decades of experience, service work, and accreditations.
Congratulations to these inspiring, dedicated, and oh-so-worthy newly elected officials. Cheers to you, Queens!
