Greg Akili announces candidacy for Assembly seat in South LA



News Release from Greg Akilil

Community Leader Greg Akili Announces Candidacy for the 59th Assembly District with Strong Community Support

Los Angeles, CA—November 4, 2011— Longtime community leader Greg Akili has officially announced his candidacy for the newly drawn 59th Assembly District in South Los Angeles. 

“Next year’s election is about choosing the type of leadership that will bring people together to successfully fight for the resources and support we deserve. My ability to do so is the reason I’m endorsed by my neighbors, community activists and elected leaders,” said Akili.

As a result of his years of leadership, Akili has already attracted a diverse group of supporters. Among his endorsements include former Lieutenant Governor and retired U.S. Representative Mervyn Dymally, Rev. Chip Murray, civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson, current School Board member Marguerite LaMotte, retired State Senator Tom Hayden and a growing list of community residents and leaders. 

“While the boundaries of this district have changed, many of the dynamics remain the same. I have witnessed firsthand the struggles of my neighbors to find decent jobs, enroll their children in good schools and receive the critical services our state has promised to provide,” stated Akili. “No matter what the District is called, I am running because our community needs someone who will work tirelessly with stakeholders to create quality jobs, invest in our public schools and maintain lifesaving social services. I’m excited about taking my forty years of fighting for social justice and my understanding of the Assembly to make the office work for the people of the 59th District.”

For over four decades, Akili has fought to increase safety and security for our community on the local, state and national level. He became active in the Civil Rights movement as a young adult, worked as an organizer for the United Farm Workers (UFW) under the leadership of Cesar Chavez and co-founded one of the first unions for home care workers. Akili later emerged as a leader in some of the most important campaigns of our time, serving as an organizer with organizations like the NAACP, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Obama Presidential campaign in 2008. Additionally, he has served as a special assistant to two past Speakers of the California Assembly and former Lieutenant Governor Dymally. Currently, Akili is the National Field Director for the campaign to save Social Security from cuts proposed by Republicans and Tea Party activists.

Greg Akili is a proud Democrat and longtime resident of the Vermont Knolls community with his wife, Carolyne, and their sons, Tayari and Gregory. For more information, go to his website