LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was honored by the Latino Leaders Network in Washington, DC last week at the 39th Tribute to Mayors Dinner. Prior to receiving the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award, United States Senator Alex Padilla and former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa delivered honoree tribute remarks where they spoke of Mayor Bass’ decades-long career of coalition building and solidarity working to advance social and economic justice for Black and Brown communities in Los Angeles.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this award,” said Mayor Bass. “Coalition and solidarity is how we can deliver change throughout the city – it’s much greater than one individual, and the movement for social change never ends. Solidarity is a value I was raised with – it’s how I grew up and it’s a part of my family. I'm especially honored to receive an award named for Mayor Villaraigosa and I look forward to putting it in my office next to an award named for Mayor Bradley. Thank you to the Latino Leaders Network.”
The Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award was first presented in 2012 as Mayor Villaraigosa closed his term as president of the US Conference of Mayors. It's named in his honor to recognize outstanding mayors who are dedicated to bringing their diverse communities together.