2005 Distinguished Community Leader
Mark Ridley-Thomas

The Center for Community Partnerships is pleased to award our inaugural Distinguished Community Leader Award to Mark Ridley-Thomas, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service in Los Angeles and California.

Mark Ridley-Thomas is a lifelong resident of the City of Los Angeles and is one of its most dedicated public servants. He has spent his political career tackling the various complex cultural, economic, and social issues facing the city's residents, advocating for greater civic participation, and has worked extensively on the economic development and revitalization of greater Los Angeles.

Mr. Ridley-Thomas’ commitment to public service began well before he became Assemblyman for the 48th district. For a decade, he was the Executive Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles, the local affiliate of the national civil and human rights organization founded by Martin Luther King, Jr. He served as Councilman representing residents of the 8th city council district in Los Angeles and worked to increase citizen involvement with respect to government proposals, actions, and decisions. His cornerstone achievement was the establishment of the District’s Empowerment Congress, a dynamic partnership between his office and the district's residents, community based organizations, business, religious institutions, and neighborhood groups. The Empowerment Congress, regarded as a model for neighborhood councils in Los Angeles, continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of citizen participation and coalition building.