Feb 4, 2025 | Congress, Health, Los Angeles, Valleys

33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

The campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was the place to be on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The tremendous community event, the 33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit was held from 8:00-1:30 pm.

Dr. David M. Carlisle-MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

(Los Angeles, CA) The campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was the place to be on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The tremendous community event, the 33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit was held from 8:00-1:30 pm.

Guests knew that they were in for engaging and lively conversations and dialogues by viewing the theme for this year’s summit: Where do we go from here- Chaos or Democracy?

The summit attracted a diverse group of more than 300. Guests included elected officials, stakeholders, the business community, residents, neighborhood groups, and religious institutions.

Dignitaries on site included Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Senator Steven Bradford, Assemblymember Mike Gipson, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Councilmember Curren D. Price, and Councilmember Heather Hutt.

A trio of talented musicians from the Inner-City Youth Orchestra Los Angeles was superb as they entertained attendees as they arrived on campus for the summit.

Summit Co-Chair, Rhea Mac, Social Equity Consultant welcomed everyone to the summit. Opening remarks were provided by Dr. David M. Carlisle-MD, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Tavis Smiley, nationally syndicated talk radio host and chief visionary officer, KBLA Talk 1580 and Rev. Eddie L. Anderson, Summit Co-Chair, Pastor, McCarty Memorial Christian Church. Mark Ridley-Thomas, PhD, Founder Empowerment Congress gave a rousing speech to the delight of the crowd.

Tavis Smiley, (right) and Public Policy Panel Members, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

The 33rd Annual Empowerment Congress Summit, Educate, Engage, and Empower were broadcast live on KBLA Talk 1580.

Tavis Smiley moderated the Plenary Session Panels. The panels consisted of dynamic, distinguished speakers and leaders in their own right. The Public Policy Discussion delved into the pressing issues of the political landscape as it relates to the theme “Chaos or Democracy? The panel featured Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President, of Los Angeles City Council; Hon. Sade Elhaway, Member of 57th District, California State Assembly; Hon. Isaac Bryan, Member of 55th District, California State Assembly; and Hon. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Representative, 37th District, U.S. House of Representatives. (Pictured)

The Philanthropy Panel Discussion followed to focus on how philanthropy is addressing gaps in human service provision and public participation in service delivery, public policy formulation, and civic education. The panel consisted of Joanna Jackson, President & CEO, of Weingart Foundation; Miguel Santana, President & CEO, of California Community Foundation; Shane Murphy Goldsmith, President & CEO, of Liberty Hill Foundation and Renata Simril, President & CEO, of LA84 Foundation. (Pictured)

Guests were able to attend concurrent workshops after the break. This year’s summit featured engaging workshops that provided participants with tools to choose principles of civic engagement that will empower them to navigate increasingly challenging times.

The breakout working workshops were Bridging the Divide: Productive Dialogue in Uncertain Times. What Does Measure A Mean to South LA? What Does Measure G Mean to South LA? Project 2025-Threat or Promise?

The annual summit set the stage for the Empowerment Congress’s programming and advocacy year, providing a blueprint for the organization’s work in the months to come.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you believe in empowering citizens, educating others about political matters, and taking action to address urgent social issues? If so, Empowerment Congress is for you!

Visit the Empowerment Congress website or reach out to learn more about upcoming meetings and initiatives. https://empowermentcongress.org

The Empowerment Congress aims to empower and engage all members of our diverse communities, ensuring that our collective voice is amplified by: – Promoting and facilitating the active involvement of our community to enhance our quality of life; -Educating and informing our community about government processes; – Formulating strategies that influence policy and legislation, and linking our community with public resources. Established in 1992 by then-Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Empowerment Congress represents a unique and intentional national model of civic engagement founded on the principles of participatory democracy, reciprocal accountability, and intentional civility. It fosters a dynamic partnership among neighborhood groups, residents, nonprofit organizations, businesses, religious institutions, and community leaders across diverse communities.