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By Tanu Henry and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
On February 14 last week, Valentine’s Day, the Los Angeles City Council honored California’s first Black Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, with a heartfelt gesture of appreciation.
As part of its Black History Month celebration, the 15-member council declared February 14 “Shirley Weber Day” in Los Angeles.
“We celebrate the homecoming of an undeniable force who emerged from the streets of South L.A. to the epitome, showing strength and grit,” said Councilmember Curren Price, who represents the city’s 9th District where Weber grew up.
Price introduced the resolution to honor Weber earlier this month, which acknowledged the Secretary of State for her “lifelong commitment to service within the realm of civil rights, voting rights, public safety, protections for those with disabilities, food insecurity and legislation on education.”
Councilmember Heather Hutt, who represents the 10th District, called Weber “an extraordinary woman who has made history and she really continues to inspire us all.”
Latricia T. Mitchell, NAACP Los Angeles President, congratulated Weber and praised the city council for its decision.
“Her unwavering dedication to the California dream, where hope, opportunity, justice, and fairness thrive, serves as an inspiration to all,” wrote Mitchell in a statement. “With unwavering integrity, she consistently prioritizes the needs of the public over any political agenda, fulfilling her responsibilities with utmost commitment.”
Weber, born in Hope, Ark, in 1948, moved with her family to Los Angeles as a young girl. She grew up in the Pueblo Del Rio housing projects and earned her undergraduate, master’s and PhD from UCLA.
Weber, a former Assemblymember who represented the 79th District in San Diego, thanked the councilmembers, recognized how growing up in L.A. contributed to her success, urged the audience to help build communities where young people can be motivated, feel supported and thrive.
Weber also remembered her parents.
“My only regret in life is that my parents are not here to see what they did, what they made, and see the contributions they made not just to my life, but to the life of California,” she said. “I always pay tribute to them.”
