January 10, 2019
VOL. 34, No. 02
Two African Americans Sworn-in To Top State Posts
Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor
Aligned with the new governor of the state of California’s vision, two African Americans who were recently sworn-in to their elected seats both said they are also committed to making bold and progressive changes. Tony Thurmond, who took the oath as superintendent of Public of Instruction, and Malia Cohen, affirmed as one of four members of the State Board of Equalization, have expressed excitement about carrying out the duties of their positions. Thurmond, 50, made a bold statement at his swearing-in ceremony at C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento. A Democrat, Thurmond became the 28th state superintendent of Public Instruction and the second African American to hold the office. Thurmond chose McClatchy High School, “strategically and intentionally,” he said. The school has been embroiled in racial incidents in the last couple of years, including a racist video that was posted on Instagram by two of its students. A female and male appeared to be in blackface while the latter made racial epithets 4 towards African
CHAIR GLORIA GRAY WILL FOCUS ON DELTA TUNNELS, DIVERSITY By Emily C. Dooley
G
loria Gray became chairwoman of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California on Jan. 1 and made history, though not for the first time. She will be the first African-American and second woman to head the board of directors in the 90-year history of the state’s southern zone, the nation’s largest treated water supply district. It delivers water to 26 public agencies that supply water for 19 million Californians. She was the first African-American woman to serve as vice chair of the board. “My background is totally different than the average person in water,” Gray said, “I think I represent more diversity in the community. I represent the average ratepayer. I know the issues of a workingclass person.” Gray will preside over board meetings; appoint members to committees, and represent district policies at the local, state, and national levels. Her position is unpaid but receives a per diem for meetings. Gray’s biggest priority is keeping the $17 billion WaterFix project moving forward; a state project backed by departing Gov. Jerry Brown. It entails building three new intake valves in the northern part of the state and connecting 2
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 43RD DISTRICT CONGRESS MEMBER
MAXINE WATERS!
THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN AND
FIRST WOMAN TO CHAIR THE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
Congratulations to The Conscience of Congress The 55 Members of The Congressional Black Caucus & Chair Congressmember Karen Bass JOIN US ON