First Reparations Town Hall - An Amazing Success

Constituents expressed their concerns about social, economic and political issues currently affecting them and their communities.

On August 10, 2019, NAASD L.A. presented its first town hall event to discuss 2020 Presidential Candidate platforms and the growing demand for reparations and specific programs/policies that benefit the Black American slavery descendants community. NAASD LA has helped to move the the reparations conversation centered through its local and online advocacy and was instrumental in getting AB3121 signed into law.

Hosted by Emmy nominated & NAACP award winning actress Vanessa Williams (New Jack City, Soul Food series, A Luv Tale digital miniseries), the Town Hall featured Sacramento Organizer Chris Lodgson, who spoke on how we seek to establish a specific lineage as a basis for a reparations justice claim.

“I know that we can work together to make life better for all Angelenos. Together We Can ACT!” KJ Clark

Also presenting was NAASD LA endorsed candidate for City Council District 8--a former L.A. Elected Budget Advocate (2018-2019) and community leader--Khansa Jones-Muhammad Clark (KJ Clark) who presented her platform. KJ said that she looks forward to imparting her vision and explaining what being an Black American Slavery Descendant candidate means to her. “I know that we can work together to make life better for all Angelenos. Together We Can ACT!”.

Representing Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson, NAASD LA welcomed Steven Band, the State Director for her California campaign. Constituents were be able to give voice to the issues most important to them during the Q&A portion of the event.

The NAASD LA Town Hall was organized around the larger Harvest Festival, presented by the We Can Foundation, that took place in Leimert Park immediately after.