Policymakers, community advocates at Urban League State of Black LA

The Los Angeles Urban League State of Black LA 2024, held recently at the University of Southern California Town and Gown event center, brought together thought leaders, community advocates, policymakers, and local citizens for a day of impactful discussions, networking, and actionable strategies aimed at addressing key issues facing Black communities in Los Angeles. With more than 700 attendees, the event highlighted the current challenges, celebrated progress, and fostered meaningful dialogue on shaping a brighter future for the Black community in LA.
Hosted by the Los Angeles Urban League in partnership with NBC4/Telemundo 52, this year’s State of Black LA offered a robust platform for exploring issues related to Housing & Homelessness, Health Access & Equity and Economic Empowerment.
Through engaging panel discussions, keynote speeches were delivered by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles Urban League President & CEO Cynthia Mitchell Heard, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell (Second District) Reps. Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt (10th District), University of Southern California President Carol Folt, Adrianne Todman, actings Secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; D’Artagnan Scorza, executive director of the Los Angeles County Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, and Marina Perelman, senior vice president of NBC4.
“I am grateful to our sponsors and partners for giving us the support that fosters the Los Angeles Urban League’s groundbreaking and innovative ability to put a spotlight on issues that affect those marginalized in our society. The energy and enthusiasm that were present in the room at the 2024 State of Black Los Angeles are a testament to the strength and determination of our community,” Heard said. “The State of Black L.A. is not just a reflection of where we are today but a bold declaration of where we are headed. We have the power to uplift, but it requires continuous dedication, strategic action, and collective effort.”
Key highlights from the conference included:
• Kamlager-Dove presented a check to the LA
Urban League for $963,000.00. This investment
will assist the organization with its yearlong
programmatic thrust to effect meaningful
change in Los Angeles.
• Housing & Homelessness: This issue is of
particular importance in both the County and
City of Los Angeles. The trends, predictions
and future of Housing & Homelessness in Los
Angeles brought together distinguished pan-
elists who discussed the importance of undstanding that collaboration between private
and public partnerships in housing is para-
mount.
• Health Access & Equity: Health professionals
and activists highlighted the ongoing
disparities in healthcare access and the impor-
tance of wellness, addressing systemic
inequities, and culturally competent care in the
Black and Brown communities.
• Economic Empowerment Panel: Experts
from diverse industries discussed strategies for
wealth-building and financial literacy, focusing
on entrepreneurship, career advancement, and
access to capital for Black and Brown businesses,
along with how both groups can collaborate
better on economic endeavors. Mayor Bass’
office has made recent strides in helping to
streamline the process of obtaining a loan and
permit for start-up business opportunities.
For more information on the State of Black LA
2024 and how you can get involved, visit
www.laul.org/sobla or follow on @laurban
league_