On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks took a seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Despite the fact that African-Americans were the largest users of Montgomery's bus system, she was told to move - only whites were allowed to sit at the front of the bus.

She refused - and sparked a movement. African-Americans led a citywide bus boycott, and despite death threats and immense mobility challenges, held out for a year - when the case would reach the Supreme Court.

In 1956, the Supreme Court affirmed that segregation is unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Rosa Parks wasn't an elected official or famous orator. She was a seamstress who refused to submit to injustice and changed the course of history. If you ever wonder how you can make a difference, remember the story of Rosa Parks. She is just one example that leadership doesn't require a fancy title or platform, only the courage to take a stand - or a seat - for justice.

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

- Capri Maddox

Last week, our Reparations Advisory Commission hosted its latest public engagement event. HOMECOMING II welcomed more than 90 individuals on Zoom and Facebook Live to share their experiences with institutional racism, family history, and ideas for a future reparations pilot program.

Though California was not a slave state, Los Angeles has a long legacy with separating Black residents from their health, their wealth and their liberty. The legacy of redlining, which denied homeownership to Black Angelenos in the 20th century, to mass incarceration, employment discrimination and more, created vast inequities that reverberates to this day.

Thank you to everyone who joined the interactive meeting and shared their thoughts. The Commission looks forward to continuing the work with the community in the coming months. In the meantime, you can share your input in our reparations survey.

Starting this week, open dialogues to build a better Los Angeles will begin in locations across our city.

Our department, in partnership with the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles and community organizations across the city, are hosting LA For All Healing Circles to allow communities space to find healing following a year of challenges and tumult in Los Angeles. These meetings are your opportunity to have an open dialogue and share your ideas for where LA goes from here. LA for All Healing Circles are being launched in advance of our Peace and Healing Center program, coming next year.

At this moment of transition, where does Los Angeles go from here? Add your voice at an LA For All Healing Circle by RSVPing below.

Last week, women leaders from cities around the world convened for CHANGE, which means City Hub And Network for Gender Equity, an annual summit and discussion on feminist leadership. Leaders from LA, Freetown, London, Mexico City, and more joined a panel discussion featuring LA Civil Rights Executive Director Capri Maddox, Ana Guerrero, Strategic Advisor to Mayor Garcetti, and Jessica Caloza, Deputy Chief of Staff for California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The discussion centered on progress made, including that more than 50% of city Commissioners are all women, and the work needed to support women's autonomy, safety, and upward mobility.

Thank you CHANGE for hosting us, and for leading this critical work for women around the world!