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HONOREE
Keeper of The Flame Award
HONOREE HONOREE HONOREE HONOREE TONIGHT’S
PERFORMERS
Danza Azteca
Danza Mexica Cuauhtémoc (DMC) is a community of people dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Mexica culture, ceremonies, warrior dance, accurate history, and traditions. Our danza is prayer, resistance, and remembrance — a living connection to our ancestors and our future. The drum (huehuetl) is our heartbeat. It unites us, guides our steps, and carries the spirit of our people. We work to build unity, understanding, mutual respect, and harmony amongst all nations by coming together and supporting one another in the struggle for political, economic, environmental, social, and cultural justice. We preserve our culture by teaching and practicing Mexica dance and ceremony, learning and sharing true history, creating traditional arts and crafts, studying the Sun Stone (Aztec calendar), learning and speaking Nahuatl, studying Mexica and Mayan math, and building political consciousness. We are committed to learning all that we can in our lifetime to build our nation and carry forward our ancestral knowledge.
Kristine “DJ Puffs” Ono
Born in Los Angeles, and raised in Monterey Park, DJ Puffs has spent nearly two decades elevating dancefloors and driving social change through music. Most notably, she served as Mayor Karen Bass’ Campaign Music Director and DJ, and energized the people-powered culture and connection that was present throughout the campaign through her carefully curated sets.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aja Baxter
Arnulfo De La Cruz
Donna Estacio
Mary Lee
Julie Mungai
Dr. Manuel Pastor
Liliana Perez
Christiane Roussell Willis
Luis Sánchez
Adrianne Shropshire
Michele Siqueiros
Ben Tarzynski
Chavonne Taylor
Kendal R. Turner
Keith Weaver
SPONSORS
Movement Builder
SPONSORS Community Champion
William & Loretta Cooper
Katie McGrath & JJ Abrams
Achieving America Family Foundation
Molly Munger & Steve English
Barry & Paula Litt
First 5 LA
UFCW 770
Genesis LA
Amazon Brotherhood Crusade
Kaiser
SEIU 721
Maya Jupiter and Aloe Blacc
SPONSORS Ally
Power California
Englander, Knabe & Allen (EKA)
The Campbell Foundation
Zoox
Broad Family Foundation
CA Black Women’s Collective
Aja Baxter
LA Tourism and Convention Boar
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
St. John’s Community Health
Logic Technology
Alliance for Safety and Justice
Social Good Solutions
Alliance for College Ready Public
SchoolsInnerCity Struggle
SPONSORS Community Friend
Liberty Hill
Republic Services
Amity Foundation
CADRE office42 Lee Andrews Group
St. Joseph’s
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT 36)
Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)
Great Public Schools Now (GPSN)
Catalyst CA
Kipp SoCal
TRUST South LA
SEIU USWW
THE PEOPLE’S HEROES
Community Coalition is proud to honor the work of its 2025 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.
Frances E. Williams (1905-1995)
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 (1918-2001)
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.
Augustus F. Hawkins (1907-2007)
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 crosscultural 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.”
Keeper of The Flame Honoree
Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President of the Los Angeles City Council, has dedicated over two decades to community activism and public service. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Harris-Dawson’s early experiences witnessing the impact of the crack cocaine epidemic on his community shaped his commitment to social justice. He graduated from Morehouse College and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.
Since his election to the City Council in 2015, Harris-Dawson has been a force for change. His co-authorship of Proposition HHH, a $1.2 billion bond measure for permanent supportive housing, has led to a significant increase in affordable housing in the Eighth District, surpassing any other part of the city. His advocacy for the Community Safety Partnership has built reparative relationships between the community and the LAPD, making the district safer and more secure.
Even in the face of the 2020 pandemic, Harris-Dawson’s leadership shone through. He initiated a program to support local businesses and feed vulnerable seniors, which was not only a lifeline for the community but also became a statewide model. His transformation of a controversial Metro train project into a public art people’s museum celebrating Black culture in Los Angeles is a testament to his innovative and adaptive approach to governance.Known for his pragmatic and progressive approach, HarrisDawson’s efforts in affordable housing, economic equity, and public safety have significantly impacted Los Angeles.
He currently chairs the following committees; Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations, Board of Referred Powers, and the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games. A proud son of South Central LA, he continues to drive initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
OUR MISSION
Community Coalition works to help transform the social and economic conditions in South LA that foster addiction, crime, violence and poverty by building a community institution that involves thousands in creating, influencing and changing public policy.
MISSION MISSION MISSION MISSION
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.
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.
Contribute to the Building of a Social Movement
Generating and sustaining relationships and strengthening alliances with other organizations dedicated to social and economic equity. 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.
Advocacy
Uniting people to work collectively to advocate on their own behalf for more equitable social and economic policies.
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October 2025
Dear Friends
It is with great pride g j y ebrating the 2025 People Power Progress Awards Ceremony. For years, COCO S outh LA has been an essential force, dedicated to fostering genuine community development and empowerment in our community.
This year ’ s theme, “Resisting While Building,” per fectly captures the steadfast courage it takes to dismantle systemic barriers while simultaneously const ructing a Los Angeles where everyone feels seen and heard This dual commit ment is especially exemplified in the life and work of tonight’s distinguished honoree Los Angeles City Council President Marqeece Harris Dawson
Council President Harris-Dawson is someone I’m pro dedication to serving Angelenos embodies the very es has tirelessly worked to protect our most vulnerable c t r ansformative initiatives for opportunities and civic across our City.
I hope everyone attending tonight’s festivities is insp uplifted. May this event be a powerful reminder of th work we share in making our city more equitable for
With admiration and respect,
Tenth District City of Los Angeles
HEATHER HUTT
Councilwoman
Zoox is on the way to LA
We’re reinventing personal transportation — making the future safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for everyone. Zoox is on-demand autonomous ride-hailing.
Learn more at zoox.com/community
Honoring the Power of Community.
First 5 LA recognizes the 2025 People, Power, Progress Awards and the champions of equity driving change in South L.A.
Your dedication to justice and opportunity inspires us all and creates a foundation where every child can thrive.
My Neighborhood, O
People, power, and progress require a strong, independent press — that’ s why we ’ re building a new, nonprofit, communit y-centered newsroom for Los Angeles.
We’ re expanding to Koreatown, Pico Union, Westlake, South LA and Inglewood to uplift local stories and train local high school students so they can share their voices.
Our mission is to provide free, high-quality news that connects neighborhoods, increases accountability, and celebrates the people shaping our city.
Proud to be powering Boyle Heights Beat and LA Documenters. Send us your tips and story ideas. Follow us at @hey.lalocal and sign up for our newsletters. Amir Vera, South LA Editor Michele Siqueiros, CEO
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Genesis LA Congratulates And The 2025 People, Power, Progress Awards' Honorees
COMMUNITY COALITION
We Are Proud Partners On The Block by Block Initiative
Launched in 2022, the Block by Block (BxB) Initiative seeks a new approach to development by combining the community plans envisioned from deeply rooted community organizations (Anchor Organizations), the real estate expertise of like-minded developers, and early-stage investment capital sourced by Genesis LA to form neighborhood-focused community development teams.
genesisla.org (213) 533 8900 info@genesisla.org
Happy, healthy neighbors.
That’s our mission.
Kaiser Permanente is a proud supporter of Community Coalition’s People, Power, Progress Awards.
At Kaiser Permanente, we continuously strive to help improve the conditions for health and equity in our communities. Our doors, hearts and minds are open to help you thrive.
A Better Idea for Health Care.
Learn more at about.kp.org.
THE LA FED SALUTES THE HONOREES OF 2025 PEOPLE, POWER, AND PROGRESS AWARDS! THE LA FED SALUTES THE HONOREES OF 2025 PEOPLE, POWER, AND PROGRESS AWARDS!
CONGRATS!
We celebrate your leadership & lift up all the work you do!
Congratulations, Community Coalition, for 35 years advancing racial and economic justice in South LA and beyond.
Executive Team
Alberto Retana
Leslie Cooper Johnson
Gerri Lawrence
Hector Sanchez
OUR STAFF
Collective Management Team
Glauz Diego
Miguel Dominguez
Christian Flagg
Patricia Guerra
Kamani Harris
Marsha Mitchell
STAFF
Durriya Ahmed
Oscar Alvarez
Olimpia Blanco-Zuniga
Kimberly Carrillo
Ben Casar
Robert Collins
Bertrand Cooper
Ricky Duran Wright
Enrique Gaspar
Terrick Gutierrez
Renee Henderson
Carolyn Hernandez
Jose Hurtado
Ansley Jean-Jacques
Kent Mardis
Sequarier McCoy
Jathan Melendez
Antwon Mitchell
Kalani Robinson
Lexi Richardson
Lesly Tejada
Nicole Thomas
Briana Walker
Judy Wong