From 1973 to 1993, Tom Bradley served as Los Angeles’ first black mayor, overseeing the city's rise from an often racist backwater to a world-class metropolis.
Raphael J. Sonenshein, the Executive Director of the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation, told KNX News’ Bradley was “almost like an anti-politician.”
“They used to say 90% of life is showing up. Tom Bradley showed up literally everywhere,” he said. “He would go to backyard barbecues. He would go to church services. He'd go to weddings. He had friends everywhere.”
Political commentator Earl Ofari Hutchinson used to be Bradley's neighbor in LaBert Park and recalls Bradley’s monthly meet-the-mayor sessions.
“One day, an open door policy, anybody could come in,” he said. “Whatever their gripe, whatever their complaint, they can come in and see me. Now, no mayor had done that before, as a matter of fact, I don't know if any mayor has done that since.”
KNX News’ Pete Demetriou, who covered Bradley during his time as mayor, recalled getting a phone call after a home invasion.
“I picked it up, and I heard a voice. It was, ‘Pete, this is Tom Bradley. I've heard you've had a problem. Can I help?’” he said. “I explained to the mayor what had happened, [and] immediately sort of told him, ‘Why are you bothering calling? You've got more important things to worry about.’ And he cut me off right there, and he says, ‘You're important. You're important as a person.’”
Listen to the full interview in the audio above to find out more about Bradley’s legacy.
February marks Black History Month and all this week on KNX, we're taking time to focus on the black history, cultures, and leaders that are vital to the fabric of Southern California. Stay tuned to KNX News for more profiles.
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