WSS | Volume 39 No. 39

2025 in Review:

Seven Questions for Black Caucus Vice Chair

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan

Black Caucus Vice Chair Assemblymember Isaac Bryan

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) represents California's 55th Assembly Dis- trict which also includes Bald- win Hills, Leimert Park, the Cren- shaw Corridor, Culver City, Del Rey, and parts of Mid-City area long recognized as the po- litical and cultural center of Black Los Angeles.

an At 33, Bryan is already one of Los Angeles' more seasoned state lawmakers. Elected in 2021, he quickly became one of the Legis- lature's leading voices on democ- racy protection, economic mobil- ity, and justice reform. Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), he also serves on key Assembly committees - in- cluding Natural Resources (which he chairs), Judiciary, Governmen- tal Organization, and Privacy and Consumer Protection - where many of the state's major equity and civil rights debates take shape. In 2025, Bryan was at the fore- front of several defining state battles advancing the CLBC's Road to Repair agenda, safe- guarding political representation, and pushing for overdue respect for incarcerated firefighters. Bryan sat down with California Black Media to reflect on the year.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Here are his responses to seven key questions, edited for length and clarity.

Looking back on 2025, what do you see as your biggest win the thing you're proudest of getting done or moving forward?

There are two. One, incarcer- ated firefighters have been fight- ing wildfires in California for 100 years, and they have made slave wages that entire time. When the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire were raging this year, there were incarcerated people on the front lines making a $1 an hour. We raised those wages to the federal minimum wage (Assembly Bill (AB) 247). It is the first time an incarcerated person in California will earn a minimum wage for their labor. If not now, when?

And the second is Proposi- tion 50. It was uniquely target- ing Black representation in Texas and throughout the South to push the President's agenda, and it's an agenda that we know is anti- Black. We helped organize the state to send a resounding mes- sage with Prop 50, and I am in- credibly proud of that.

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SAN BERNARDINO, CA The African American Health Coalition and LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services proudly announce their upcoming "Stepping Back Into the Roaring 20's" Dinner Fundraiser & Fash- ion Show, a powerful celebra- tion created to uplift, honor, and spotlight African American wom- en particularly those age 50 and over-while raising critical awareness around mental health challenges impacting this grow- ing demographic.

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Stepping Back into the Roaring 20s

Dinner Fundraiser and Fashion Show

Celebrating Women 50+ & Raising Awareness for Mental Health health awareness efforts, celebrate empowerment and wellness, and form new friendships while creat- ing unforgettable memories. All participants will be featured in a glamorous fashion showcase in- spired by the Roaring 20's era.

The first meeting and rehearsal will take place on Saturday, Janu- ary 31st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (NOON) at 624 W. 4th Street, San Bernardino, CA.

This event holds deep signifi- cance for the community. Funds raised will directly support the ongoing programs of both the African American Health Coali- tion and LUE Productions Com- munity Umbrella Services-or- ganizations committed to health advocacy, mentorship, artistic expression, outreach, and support services that uplift underserved populations. Participation as a model, sponsor, or attendee helps ensure these vital programs con- tinue to make a meaningful and lasting impact across the region. The planning team welcomes in- dividuals and organizations inter- ested in sponsorships, community partnerships, and fashion show participation.

This elegant evening is designed to illuminate the strength, beauty, resilience, and unique lived expe- riences of women over 50. In addi- tion to celebrating their journeys, the event will help generate funds that support essential community programs serving San Bernardino County and surrounding areas. The planning team is now recruit- ing fabulous, confident, and cou- rageous African American women age 50 and older to participate as runway models. No experience is required. Whether participants have walked a runway before or are stepping into the spotlight for the first time, the event offers an opportunity to shine, inspire, and represent the richness of woman- hood. Modeling in the show al- lows participants to support two active community-based orga- [email protected] nizations, contribute to mental

Contact:

Lue Dowdy, Event Coordinator 909-495-0848