California State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) joined the Southern California Black Worker Hub for Regional Organizing’s 2nd Annual Black August Commemoration, a program that highlighted the legacy of Black resistance and the contributions of California’s Black workforce.
The event, held Aug. 13, featured remarks from both Smallwood-Cuevas and McKinnor, live cultural performances, worker testimonials, and community tributes. Organizers said the evening elevated the voices of Black workers while showcasing the Hub’s ongoing efforts to advance labor rights, reduce wage gaps, and combat systemic discrimination across Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.
Smallwood-Cuevas, co-founder of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center and a longtime labor organizer, spoke about the importance of honoring historical struggles while advocating for modern worker protections. Assemblymember McKinnor, an advocate for equity and inclusive economic policies, highlighted legislative efforts aimed at improving workplace fairness and opportunity.
Dawn Modkins, director of the Southern California Black Worker Hub for Regional Organizing, said the commemoration provided an important platform for recognizing the resilience and achievements of Black workers in the region. Cultural performers and community leaders contributed personal stories and tributes that underscored the ongoing impact of Black labor activism.
The event reflected broader initiatives across California to support economic inclusion, workplace equity, and social justice. By spotlighting both historical and current challenges faced by Black workers, organizers hoped to inspire community engagement and policy solutions that strengthened protections and opportunities for underserved communities.
The program drew activists, labor organizers, elected officials, and community members, all gathering to celebrate the contributions and persistence of Black workers while advocating for systemic change.