LAAAWPPI - Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute

09/10/2026

Dear Alumnae and Family,

As we mark what would have been Joy P. Atkinson’s birthday, we reflect on her extraordinary life and the indelible mark she left on our hearts and our community. Joy was more than a visionary leader and a dedicated mentor; she was the heart of the Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) and a guiding light for so many of us.

Though we miss her presence dearly, Joy’s spirit continues to animate our work every day. Her life was defined by an unwavering commitment to public service, civic engagement, and empowering Black women. From her sixteen years as Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Gwen Moore to her pioneering efforts with the Empowerment Congress alongside Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Joy helped shape the political landscape of Los Angeles with grace and integrity.

As the Executive Director of LAAAWPPI, Joy did far more than lead a program; she cultivated a movement. She believed profoundly in the power of minority women to lead, mentor, and effect real change. Her influence lives on in the hundreds of graduates who carry her lessons forward, leading with the same courage and intention that she modeled throughout her distinguished career as a public servant and city commissioner.

To honor her memory and ensure her vision continues to thrive, we invite you to support the Joy P. Atkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund is a meaningful way to directly empower the next generation of women to pursue leadership roles in public policy and community service, keeping Joy’s passion for mentorship alive.

If you would like to contribute to this legacy, you may do so through the following methods:

PayPal/Zelle: Please send contributions to [email protected]. We kindly ask that you include “Joy P. Atkinson Memorial & Scholarship Fund” in the notes section.

Check: Please mail your donation to LAAAWPPI, 2851 West 120th Street, Ste. E PMB 324, Hawthorne, CA 90250-3396.

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to Joy’s vision of elevating the purpose of Black women and fostering a spirit of advocacy and civic participation. Thank you for joining us in celebrating her life and ensuring that her legacy endures for generations to come.

With deep gratitude and lasting admiration,

Traci Bivens-Davis
Interim Executive Director
LAAAWPPI

09/09/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

08/31/2026

Ladies, we are both excited and overwhelmed by how many of you want to meet with potential new recruits for 2027. Space is running out!

Stay tuned for another alumnae mix and mingle opportunity. We see you and know you value time amongst your sisters. Another event is loading.

08/29/2026

We are adding to the sisterhood!
Now recruiting for LAAAWPPIs class of 2027. Professional women interested in exploring the program and networking with our alumnae are invited to the Recruitment Reception. This year we will meet at Dulan’s Crenshaw at 6pm on Monday, September 28. Space is limited, so confirm your spot.

08/06/2026

Save the Date….
LAAAWPPI’s Annual Recruitment Reception - Monday, September 28
6-8:00 pm
More information to come. Stay tuned!

07/11/2026

Building on the inaugural Black Los Angeles County Economic Report, the LA County Economic Development Corporation has released an expanded edition in honor of Juneteenth that explores three pillars—Collective Leadership, Collective Enterprise, and Collective Wellness—for creating pathways to economic opportunity and long-term prosperity across Los Angeles County.

To check out the full report visit: https://laedc.org/download/black-economic-report-expanded #1

07/06/2026

Sending our condolences to the families impacted by violence.

On the death of Eric Washington.

ASM Mike Gipson on the Death of Former Staffer Eric Washington
CARSON, Calif. — Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) issued the following statement:

"On the 4th of July, during a night when Californians were celebrating, Eric Washington attended a community block party in the City of Compton. It was at that party in Compton where Eric was tragically shot and killed along with a 19-year-old young woman. Eric was tragically ripped from our lives by a coward who chose to brandish a gun during a community event where children and families gathered," said Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson). "During his time working for me, Eric was a talented communicator, community organizer, and enterprising thinker who worked as a representative serving the 64th District of the State of California. Serving families with grace and pride was fitting work for a son of South Los Angeles and Compton – a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity – and an incredible protégé and friend. He was extraordinarily talented, a passionate and focused man who loved the community, gave his heart and soul for the people, and put them first. I am grieving – devastated by the loss and murder of this great young person. He tried everything possible to save Black and Brown boys in our community, especially against gun violence, and I am dismayed that what he fought against took his life."

“While the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is working hard to identify and apprehend a suspect in this case, the person who they believe murdered Eric Washington and a young woman while in Compton, I do understand that Eric was attempting to deescalate a conflict during the holiday block party with children and families. It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives. This bravery cost him his own life."

"His friends and colleagues in local government mourn him while appreciating the powerful good that he did for those in need. His loss was felt at Compton College, the University of North Texas, and Grambling State University, institutions that he attended. Since his death, I have received other calls – from the mayors of the City of Compton and the City of Los Angeles as well as from those who served in the Legislature with me, like current County Supervisor Holly Mitchell – to discuss this extraordinarily bright young voice in the community."

"As a staffer for former Councilmember Joe Buscaino and pivotal part of the Watts Rising initiative along with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), Eric was just getting started at his God-given tasks for this world. Every man we lose before his time hurts in a raw way, but hearing that Eric has become a gun violence victim is extraordinarily difficult to bear. Please join me and my community in praying for the Washington family, and let’s ask for justice to be swift in the wake of a tragedy."

06/24/2026

Looking for a job? Come work for the City of Compton. Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/compton

06/20/2026

Celebrating Juneteenth with the Empowerment Congress. Thank you Drs. Mark and Avis Ridley-Thomas for continuing to lead the Empowerment Congress and securing the rights of our communities to thrive.

Much gratitude to LAAAWPPI alumnae, the Honorable Cassandra Chase and Dr. Shakari Byerly for leading the way and chartering the course.

Thank you to the Leadership Committee for including the contributions of Joy in their eternal alter.

06/19/2026

Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom, reflect on our shared history, and reaffirm our commitment to equity and justice.

This week, the Board of Supervisors approved my motion directing County departments to help educate, engage, and encourage residents to participate in Juneteenth celebrations across Los Angeles County.

As part of this effort, admission will be FREE today June 19, at the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits. LACMA will be free on Saturday June 20 in honor of Juneteenth.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of these free museum days and join us in celebrating Juneteenth throughout LA County. For more info on Juneteenth and ways to celebrate at your local LA County library visit: https://lacountylibrary.org/celebrate-juneteenth/