Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of Joy Atkinson, a revered civic leader known for her fierce advocacy and dedication to South LA. In her remembrance, Mayor Bass highlights the indelible mark that Atkinson left on the city's political and social sectors. "I'm deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Joy Atkinson, a legendary and iconic figure in Los Angeles," said Bass in a tribute that honors Atkinson's extensive contributions.
Atkinson's influence was rooted in both her vibrant activism and mentorship across the Californian political landscape. A nod to her father's historic quest, Eddie Atkinson, as the first African American to run for the Los Angeles City Council, Joy Atkinson herself became a formative force. She served as president of the New Frontier Democratic Club and guided Los Angeles down new paths, Bass explained. Bass shared, "A proud daughter of South L.A., she committed her life to civic engagement and the betterment of Los Angeles, with a special focus on the community that raised her."
With her appointment as a commissioner by four consecutive mayors, Atkinson continued to wield her influence in City Hall, her tenure symbolic of a bridge between grassroots efforts and institutional governance. She was a founding member of Citizens for Accountable Leadership and the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI), exerting her passion for more equitable representation. "Returning to serve the city she loved, Ms. Joy Atkinson was appointed as a commissioner by four consecutive Mayors, including myself, establishing herself as a trusted voice who brought the joy and passion of grassroots activism to City Hall for nearly 20 years," said Bass.
Mentorship was one of Atkinson's renowned traits, particularly through her role at LAAAWPPI, where she propelled hundreds of women into impactful careers and leadership. Mayor Bass credits Atkinson with her own political success, from the State Assembly to Congress, and eventually to her mayoral win. "Constantly driven to make the democratic process more inclusive, Ms. Joy Atkinson was a founding member of both Citizens for Accountable Leadership and the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI). As the Executive Director of LAAAWPPI she helped launch hundreds of women into careers within government, corporate and non-profits sectors," Bass noted.
Her passing has left a void in the heart of Los Angeles politics, and Mayor Bass emphasizes her legacy of service and inspiration. Mayor Bass addressed her personal gratitude and the city's acknowledgment of Atkinson's tireless work. "My thoughts are with her family, and the City of Los Angeles is grateful for the life and legacy of Joy Atkinson," concluded Bass. The official statement can be found on the LA Mayor's website.
