Sacramento, Calif., – Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer Sr. (D-Los Angeles) was recently appointed Co-Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color, along with Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland). This committee tackles policy issues ranging from educational disparities to under-employment; all of which pertain to boys and men of color.
“Over the past 4 years, this committee has done an outstanding job of raising awareness and creating policy solutions that address issues dealing with young men of color. I am excited and honored to serve as co-chair with Assemblymember Rob Bonta. Together we can further address the systematic issues that plaque communities of color across California,” said Jones-Sawyer.
Working to improve the outcomes for these young men is in line with the Jones-Sawyer family tradition of fighting for civil rights. Pioneers in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, his uncle was one of the "Little Rock Nine;"-- high school students who braved violent mobs to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957. This is one of the most important and well-documented events in our nation's history.
The committee’s priorities this year will again focus on disparities in the education and criminal justice systems. In addition, it will tackle issues such as social entrepreneurship, LGBT, homeownership and housing issues. It will also work to implement the suggested courses of action that were outlined in the 2013 Staff Report and Policy Platform, and continue to explore more ways to affect statewide policy to improve the lives of boys and men of color, their families and all Californians.
“As father of two young African American men, I am well aware of the challenges they face. I have had to continuously fight on behalf of my sons in order to ensure they receive equal treatment in school, and are not profiled or harassed in the community.”
Assembly Member Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer Sr. is a Democrat representing areas of Los Angeles, including the communities of Huntington Park, Walnut Park and Florence- Firestone.