19th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit

January 15, 2011
University of Southern California (Bovard Auditorium)

On Saturday, January 15 Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas joined more than 1,500 Second District residents and activists for the 19th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit.  The day-long event, held this year at the University of Southern California on the 82nd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth, was entitled “Empowered to Realize the Dream.”  Drawing inspiration from Dr. King’s dream of achieving true social justice through peaceful community engagement, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas presented his State of the Second District address.  His remarks highlighted the major milestones of the past year and laid out the Second District’s priorities for the year ahead, which include:

  • Groundbreaking of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center, the $400 million project that will bring the highest quality of patient care back to the Second District;
  • Completion of the $20 million South Health Center, located on the MLK hospital campus, which will feature wellness and preventive services, including a community kitchen and garden;
  • Expected adoption of local hiring policies for construction jobs at MLK Medical Center and Phase 2 of the Exposition Light Rail Line;
  • Significant progress on the $1.7 billion Crenshaw-to-LAX light rail line, which will be the first project completed under the “30-10” plan to accelerate funding and construction of transportation infrastructure projects;
  • Continued efforts to reform LA County’s broken probation system and ensure that youths are able to successfully re-enter society after leaving County detention facilities;
  • Creating a more effective and accountable Department of Children and Family Services;
  • Increased local access to government services through the creation of “constituent service centers” around the district;

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’ “State of the Second District” address was followed by remarks from newly elected officials Congresswoman Karen Bass and Attorney General Kamala Harris.  Both praised the Second District’s rich history of civic engagement and Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’ commitment to ensuring that citizens are active participants in the decisions made by government.  After the morning’s plenary session, Summit attendees participated in workshops designed to engage community residents in serious conversations about public policy issues.  Workshops topics included: economic development and job creation strategies, mental health prevention and awareness, reforming LA County’s probation and foster care systems, social justice through the arts, and a powerful youth dialogue session. 

The Empowerment Congress was founded in 1992 on the principle that government works best when the community is involved in the decision-making process.  Its members and committees meet throughout the year to discuss and organize around issues of importance to Second District residents.  To learn more about the Empowerment Congress, visit www.empowermentcongress.org.

Click here to watch highlights of the morning plenary session.

Click here to view pictures of the 19th Annual Empowerment Congress Summit.