Celebrating excellent CSUDH alumni. Art by Licia Summerhill
By Licia Summerhill Staff Reporter
Black history month for African-Americans and people of color has a special meaning. It is a month to celebrate the advancement of Black people in historical and current contexts. It is a section of time to acknowledge and reflect on the achievements of people who are esteemed by the Black community. Below are four alumni who represent both CSUDH and the African-American community with excellence.
Karen Bass (bachelor’s degree in health science, Class of 1990) is the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles, the first woman and second African American to be elected as mayor. Bass graduated in 1990 and utilized her health science degree in the capacity of a nurse and later, physician assistant. She later ran for state assembly and was elected as assemblywoman of California’s 33rd and 37th congressional districts. She continued her education at USC Keck School of Medicine physician assistant program and later earned her master’s degree in social work from USC in 2015. Bass remains a pillar of the community. She is celebrated for her efforts in holding LAPD more accountable, transforming dozens of liquor stores and motels into community assets such as laundry mats, grocery stores and parks. Her accomplishments also include the prestigious John F. Kennedy “Profile in Courage Award” for her budget decisions while in the California State Assembly.
Steven Bradford (bachelor’s degree in political science, Class of 1985) is the current representative of the 35th district of the California State Senate which covers the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. Bradford has also represented the 51st and 62nd assembly districts. Bradford was the first African American elected to the Gardena City Council. Bradford’s current Senate Bill 50 aims to prohibit a peace officer from initiating a traffic stop for a low-level violation unless there is a separate, independent reason. Bradford also serves as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, and Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications.
Rex Richardson (bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Class of 2020) is the 29th mayor of Long Beach and the first Black person to be elected as mayor as of November 2022. Richardson also served as vice mayor from 2016-2022. Richardson was elected to Long Beach City Council in 2014, making him the youngest ever council member at the age of 31. Richardson served as Chief of Staff for the 9th Council District of Long Beach from 2010-2014. Richardson is also a governing board member for South Coast Air Quality Management District. Richardson served as president of CSUDH Associated Student, Inc from 2005-2006. Richardson was instrumental in building Long Beach’s first municipal homeless shelter with supportive bridge housing. Richardson created the Long Beach Office of Equity to improve community health outcomes. Richardson’s community efforts include the Uptown Renaissance initiative including public safety, economic development and community investments in the city.
Lula Davis-Holmes (bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and sociology, Class of 1983; master’s degree in public administration, Class of 1992) is the first African-American female mayor of Carson. Davis-Holmes was the first female recreation center supervisor assigned to Stevenson Park in 1980. She also held the first female appointment as a recreation superintendent of Carson. Davis-Holmes was elected to Carson City Council from 2007-2019. During her tenure as a council member, she was appointed twice as mayor pro tempore. Davis-Holmes spearheaded a housing project for middle-income residents of Carson as well as the development of affordable housing for seniors and veterans. Thanks to the leadership of Davis-Holmes 23 years ago, Carson celebrates Juneteenth yearly through arts and entertainment.
