Community Coalition – 2022 People Power Progress Awards

Struggle is a never-ending process.

Freedom

—Coretta Scott King

Our nation is at a crossroads, and Los Angeles has an opportunity to be the example for inclusive, compassionate, and equitable change. COVID, the racial

reckoning, Roe v. Wade, and a right-wing insurrection have all undermined our historic efforts to build an inclusive democracy. While atrocious and devastating, the past three years have created an opportunity to collectively reclaim purpose and recommit to the fight for justice. From our nation’s capitol to our neighborhoods, our communities are suffering from division.

This division has called us to double down on our commitment to social justice and Black and Brown unity. And Community Coalition has answered the call. We have brought our best selves forward to stay together in a time that has physically, mentally, and emotionally tried to split us apart. We have continued to build kinship between neighbors Black and Brown, young and old. We have worked to keep our people healthy, heart-strong, and encouraged during these tumultuous times.

With this year’s People Power Progress Awards, we want to curate an experience that shows the impact of our moments and the strength of our movement. How we have met tragedy with the resilience to stand up as a community to fight for our lives—because we matter. With images, art, and video installations that show the faces of real people—our people—their stories, as well as our collective struggle, we will celebrate what solidarity looks like.

ALBERTO RETANA

President & CEO, Community Coalition

This year, we invite you to join us as we invoke our ancestors, on whose shoulders we stand, to create a sacred space that uplifts 1) our vision for what Los Angeles can be and 2) our efforts to make that happen. We will not let recent comments undo 30 years of unity work. We will not give in to the temptation of taking the easy way out to solve our cities’ problems. Instead, we will take this moment to celebrate, recalibrate, reclaim and recommit to making Los Angeles—one of the most progressive cities in the nation—an example of what ought to be.

In Solidarty,

is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.

FEATURING

Dr. Barbara Ferrer

Charlotta Bass Award April Verrett Bert Corona Award

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Qiana Charles Donna Estacio Rafael Gonzalez David Hyun Mary Lee Julie Mungai Dr. Manuel Pastor Chris Pearson

Luis Sánchez Michele Siqueiros Ben Tarzynski Keith Weaver Carolyn Webb de Macias Annetta Wells

Michelynn ‘Miki’ Woodard

SPONSORS

KAREN BASS FOUNDER’S CIRCLE

Anonymous

SPONSORS MOVEMENT BUILDER

THE PEOPLE’S HEROES

Community Coalition is proud to honor the work of its 2022 People, Power, Progress Award honorees for continuing the legacy of “the people’s heroes.” These awards are named after distinguished individuals who might not be famous today but are heroes nonetheless to those committed to social change in South LA.

CHARLOTTA BASS (1874-1969)

Charlotta Bass once said, “Win or lose, we win by raising the issues.” Charlotta Bass was a dynamic force to be reckoned with among her fellow colleagues in the news media. She was the editor and publisher of the California Eagle, the oldest African American newspaper on the West Coast, and an astute political theorist and activist in her community. She was the first African American woman to run on the Progressive Party ticket for Vice President of the United States in 1952. Ms. Bass is known for leading a campaign against segregation and discrimination in Los Angeles voting procedures and employment practices. Additionally, she was involved in the fight against police brutality, the Ku Klux Klan and restrictive housing covenants. Ms. Bass showed no fear in the face of conflict and demonstrated perseverance in her quest to eradicate injustice.

WILLIAMS

Actress, activist and community organizer, Frances E. Williams was one of the most colorful and knowledgeable stage and screen personalities of our time. Perhaps best known for the role of Miss Marie on the television series “Frank’s Place” in the late 1980’s, Williams’ acting career spanned more than six decades beginning in the 1920’s at Karamu House, the oldest black theatre in the United States.

Ms. Williams fought continuously to expand and elevate the roles portrayed by African American actors and others in Hollywood. Whether working as an actor in films, a wardrobe mistress on stage productions, or as the assistant director on the landmark film “Salt of the Earth,” she was prepared to fight against injustice of any kind. Ms. Williams founded nine theatres, including the Frances Williams Corner Theatre behind her home in the Exposition Park area of Los Angeles.

As a community activist, Ms. Williams challenged Ralph’s supermarket to hire African Americans. She co-founded the Art Against Apartheid Movement in Los Angeles in the 1980’s, a celebrity anti-apartheid variety show that toured high schools. Ms. Williams was the first African American woman to run for the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Assembly.

BERT CORONA

It has been said that Bert Corona embodies the belief, “Si Se Puede,” or “Yes We Can.” He dedicated over sixty years of his life to the movement for peace, justice and equality.

Mr. Corona was a powerful labor activist in California. A resolute advocate for Latinos in the struggle against socioeconomic injustices and racism, he took leadership roles in organizing campaigns for the Congress of Industrial Organizations in the 1930’s. Mr. Corona’s determined commitment was the catalyst for the creation of such groups as the Mexican American Movement, the National Congress of Spanish Speaking Peoples, and the Association National Mexico-Americana. In 1951, he founded the CASA Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, a social service and activist organization that works on behalf of new immigrant workers in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Throughout his career, Mr. Corona successfully engaged mainstream politicians, as demonstrated by his role as California Co-Chair for both President Lyndon Johnson’s and Bobby Kennedy’s presidential campaigns.

HAWKINS

Augustus Freeman Hawkins was California’s first African American Congressman. A graduate of South Los Angeles’ Jefferson High School, The University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California, he set the standard for achievement within the political arena for people of color.

Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, he served as a Democratic member of the California State Assembly (1935-1962). He was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1963 where his political agenda included educational, labor, and employment issues. During his time in public office, he authored some of the most important civil rights legislation of our time, including the Fair Employment Practice Act of 1959, the Fair Housing Act of 1963 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, Congressman Hawkins, in collaboration with Howard University, formed the Black Education Leadership Summit, a coalition of education, civil rights, nonprofit, business and community groups designed to enhance the education of all African American students.

Congressman Hawkins died in November 2007, shortly after turning 100 years old.

RUBÉN SALAZAR (1928-1970)

Born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Rubén Salazar was a staunch advocate for the Latino community. He was educated at the University of Texas and emerged from academia to become the first Latino reporter to work with the mainstream press. Mr. Salazar was known for being a hard-hitting, streetwise reporter, who never relinquished his commitment to the unheard Latino community. He joined the Los Angeles Times in 1959, covering the Mexican American community. His columns concentrated on the injustices suffered in what he termed the “forgotten communities.” Mr. Salazar wrote about the educational alienation of Chicanos, urban problems and the tensions between Mexicans and African Americans. Through his writing, he delivered impassioned pleas for cross-cultural and cross-generational understanding. His career of activism and advocacy for his community was cut short at age 42 when he was killed by an LAPD tear gas canister while covering the historic anti-Vietnam war protest in East Los Angeles. He was truly “la voz para la raza” or “the voice of the people.”

Dr. Barbara Ferrer is a nationally recognized public health leader with over 40 years’ experience as a public health director, educational leader, researcher, philanthropic strategist, and community advocate.

Currently, as the Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which prevents disease and promotes health equity and wellbeing among more than 10 million county residents, Dr. Ferrer oversees a budget of over $1.8 billion, directs a workforce of nearly 6,000 staff, and works to integrate services with the County Mental Health and Health Services Departments. She guidesthe region’s COVID-19 pandemic response in collaboration with county and community-based partners.

Prior to directing the LA County Public Health Department, Dr. Ferrer spent decades leading public health efforts in Massachusetts. She served as the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, the city’s health department where, under her leadership, the City of Boston saw significant improvements in health outcomes, including a decrease in rates of childhood obesity, smoking, and infant mortality.

Dr. Ferrer also held leadership positions at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including Director of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention, and Director of the Division of Maternal & Child Health.

As a headmaster of a district high school in Boston, Dr. Ferrer secured funding from the Gates Foundation to amplify services and supports for students; over 90% of students graduated and of those graduating, 95% gained admission to college.

DR. BARBARA FERRER

Charlotta Bass Award

Dr. Ferrer also served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, overseeing programming and mission-driven investments.

Dr. Ferrer received her Ph.D. from Brandeis University where she was awarded a PEW fellowship in Health Policy. She also holds a Master’s in Public Health from Boston University, Master’s in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

APRIL VERRETT Bert Corona Award

April Verrett—elected to be SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer in June of 2022—also serves as President of SEIU Local 2015, California’s largest local union, and the nation’s largest long-term care union, representing more than 400,000 long-term care providers, working in both nursing homes and private homes throughout California.

Although now based in Los Angeles, April’s story begins proudly on the South Side of Chicago. She was raised by her grandmother who worked as a locker room attendant for the Chicago Park District. April’s exposure to Union activism started right there in childhood. When her grandmother’s Union elected its first Black president, something about seeing herself reflected in that leader made her want to get involved in her Union.

Prior to joining SEIU Local 2015, April served as Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Illinois and Indiana (HCII), where she played an instrumental role in holding corporations accountable and advocating for them to pay their fair share in taxes. She helped start United Working Families (UWF), an organization that connects grassroots organizations to build political power and hold elected officials accountable.

She has been tapped twice by Governor Newsom, first in 2019 to serve on the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force, established to develop a plan to address and manage Alzheimer’s disease and other aging-related conditions throughout California. Again in 2020, he selected her for his Taskforce on Business and Jobs Recovery. April’s work on the Taskforce is helping to reopen the fifth largest economy in the world post-COVID-19 and ensure that the needs of all working families are front and center in the process of rebuilding our economy equitably.

In 2021 April was elected as controller of the California Democratic Party. April provides a new voice and perspective to the CDP leadership team. She prioritizes the development of the next generation of leaders, ensures that the Party is an actively anti-racist organization and that we use our collective power to make the California dream a reality for all.

In summary, April is a fighter for working people and a tireless advocate for Unions, driven by the belief that they “give workers a platform to fight for more than wages, benefits, and working conditions—they strive to improve everything that matters in their lives and their communities.”

ABOUT COMMUNITY COALITION

Our Mission

To help transform the social & economic conditions in South Los Angeles that foster addiction, crime, violence and poverty by building a community institution that involves thousands in creating, influencing and changing public policy.

Our Core Values

Leadership Development

Enhancing the capacity of historically disenfranchised people to become empowered, responsible leaders who can initiate and lead efforts for long-term, sustainable change.

Community Involvement

Uniting residents beyond racial and generational lines to become engaged in the civic life of their community and to use Community Coalition as a vehicle to transform the socioeconomic conditions of South LA.

Education and Training

Developing the skills and knowledge needed to influence, shape and create the type of policies and programs that will improve the quality of life for South LA families.

Advocacy

Uniting people to work collectively to advocate on their own behalf for more equitable social and economic policies.

Contribute to the Building of a Social Movement

Generating and sustaining relationships and strengthening alliances with other organizations dedicated to social and economic equity.

In loving memory of Community Coalition Leaders

Linda Gomez-Evans Lawrence Williams Debra Lee Kadmiel McAdoo

Sylvia Hull

We believe that, united, we have the power to improve our livelihoods, our schools, and our communities. We salute tonight’s honorees and look forward to continuing to build strength for progress. seiu99.org

The Education Workers of SEIU Local 99 are proud to partner with Community Coalition

Congratulations to Community Coalition and to tonight’s honorees, April Verrett & Dr. Barbara Ferrer!

Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams

Congratulations to all the honorees. We salute the Community Coalition for working for so many years to unite diverse communities in South Los Angeles and elsewhere. Your work is now more important than ever.

With deep appreciation — Paula, Barry, Jason, Lika, Nika and Sasha Litt

Congratulations to Community Coalition! A luta continua!

— Steve Tarzynski & Kathleen Sheldon

Aloe Blacc & Maya Jupiter

Revolve Impact

Congratulations!

On behalf of the 100,000 members of SEIU-UHW, congratulations to the honorees of the 2022 People, Power, Progress Awards.

Thank you to the Community Coalition for your role as leaders and advocates of social change.

April Verett Dr. Barbara Ferrer

Tonight we celebrate visionary leaders and their transformative impact in our community.

Verizon congratulates the 2022 People, Power, Progress awards honorees for all their valuable contributions to our Los Angeles communities.

ANNENBERG.ORG

2022 People, Power, Progress Awards

April Verrett and Dr. Barbara Ferrer

Annenberg Foundation

Community Coalition IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR ANNUAL AND CONGRATULATES THE HONOREES

The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation extends a warm congratulations to Community Coalition and the 2022 honorees, Dr. Barbara Ferrer and April Verrett. For 30 years, Community Coalition has showed us how people power can transform communities and advance social and environmental justice in South Los Angeles. A special congratulations to our colleague, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of County of Los Angeles Department of Health, who has been a champion for parks and health equity and exemplifies the People Power Progress Awards.

USC salutes Community Coalition for over 30 years of impactful and transformative service.

We thank you and all of tonight's honorees for your steadfast commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of our communities. Fight On!

Congratulations to the 2022 People Power Progress awardees!

Deborah Bryant William & Loretta Cooper

Community Builders Group

Carolyn Webb de Macías, CoCo Board and Dr. Reynaldo F. Macías, Member

STAFF

Executive Team

Management Team

Alberto Retana

Aurea Montes-Rodriguez

Leslie Johnson Gerri Lawrence

Ryan J. Smith, Ed.D. Collective

Glauz Diego Miguel Dominguez Christian Flagg

Patricia Guerra

Carlos Leon Marsha Mitchell

Yolanda Nash Kirk Samuels Hector Sanchez

STAFF

Community Coalition Team

Eden Aberra

Oscar Alvarez

Benjamin Casar Kimberly Carillo Robert Collins Jacky Contreras David Curtiss Brooke Ervin Julio Esperias Belen Flores Enrique Gaspar

Jose Hurtado Renee Henderson

Eryn Jones Ansley Jean-Jacques Teresa Maldonado

Vincent Martinez Jathan Melendez Jesse Maeshiro

Victoria Millet Antwon Mitchell David Nguyen

Courtney Nunley Clayton Puckett

Ernesto Rocha

Lupe Romero Francine Rios

Angelica Sanchez Ian Taylor

Nicole Thomas Mariana Villafaña

Judy Wong