Community Partners Calls for the Immediate Resignation of LA City Councilmembers Nury Martinez, Kevin De León and Gilbert Cedillo

Community Partners condemns and calls for the immediate resignation of LA City Council members Nury Martinez, Kevin De León and Gilbert Cedillo. The leaked recording in which the councilmembers engaged in racist and hateful remarks mocking and dehumanizing the Black experience, as well as making light of violence against a Black child is inexcusable for anyone, especially elected officials entrusted to represent the people of Los Angeles. These abhorrent comments have shined a light on the anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment that permeates even the most forward-moving and progressive city in the country.

As a Latinx woman who is also a lesbian, I am angry and deeply disappointed by these councilmembers.  By focusing on their need for power and sense of oppression above others, they play right into anti-Black racism.

I join with other BIPOC and Queer leaders who have called for all three of these elected officials to resign immediately.  They no longer have the standing to represent their communities.

A meaningful effort is needed to understand and work against anti-Black racism among non-Black people of color.  If we can do that, we can create real power.

In community,

Alicia Lara, MPH
President and CEO