CULVER CITY, CA – Dr. Kelly Kent was impressed by the waves of people surging into her house for Yasmine-Imani McMorrin's campaign kick-off on Sunday, Nov. 10. The Culver City School Board president had hosted campaign launch events at her home before, but had never seen so many supporters attend, especially for a first-time candidate.
Some knew McMorrin well, but others were curious to see what all the excitement surrounding the candidate was about.
McMorrin did not disappoint.
The candidate energized the crowd with a stirring message about the importance of equity, responsibility, values, and engagement. She shared her passion for addressing critical issues of concern to Culver City residents, including affordable housing, renewable energy, mobility, transportation, and accountability.
McMorrin spoke movingly of her family's influence on the choices she made to become a lawyer, work on equity issues, and run for public office. She described the ways her daughter, Madison, has driven her commitment to equity, and mentioned her father's passing earlier this year – how the former police detective's example of hard work and responsibility shaped her dedication to public service.
"I care so deeply about Culver City," stated McMorrin. "I know as we continue to grow and develop, we can do so ensuring that there's a place for all of us here."
McMorrin serves as vice chairperson of the Culver City General Plan Advisory Committee, and is a member of the Culver City Unified School District Equity Strategic Planning Committee. If elected, she would be the first African-American woman to serve on the Culver City Council, and only the sixth woman elected to the council in the city's more than 100 years.
Many of the other speakers emphasized McMorrin's demonstrated commitment to the community, and her profound conviction to protecting the rights of all its residents.
Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells reminded attendees of the contributions McMorrin has made.
"She has already added incredible value to the community," said Sahli-Wells. "I am deeply impressed with her policy insights, her work ethic, and her vision for Culver City...leadership that is representative, responsive, and responsible."
Dr. Kelly Kent spoke about the leadership McMorrin would contribute as a Councilmember on mobility issues, including several that concern the well-being of Culver City students, such as safe walking and biking routes to our schools, and the fact that McMorrin spent so much time volunteering to help pass Measure K, which supports our school district's budget.
School Board member Summer McBride also told the gathering how dedicated Yasmine had been as a school PTA leader and canvasser for the school district's most recent budget measure. McBride also mentioned the candidate's involvement as one of the co-founders of the Culver City Community of Color Collective, an organization that supports children and families of color.
Yasmine's mother, Delores McMorrin, who flew from Atlanta, Georgia for the event, described her daughter's fearlessness and determination, and read a letter from the candidate's godmother, New Jersey State Senator Sandra B. Cunningham, who encouraged Yasmine to pursue public office. Yasmine's daughter also addressed the crowd, speaking of her mother's example of courage and commitment.
City Council Member Alex Fisch spoke last, recounting his early endorsement and continuing support for Yasmine's candidacy, and the need for her insight and expertise on the City Council, to help address the challenges facing the city, including the pressing need for affordable housing.
McMorrin has a B.A. in economics from Spelman College, and a J.D. from Rutgers University, where she served as President of Rutgers Law School's Association of Black Law Students. She is also a member of the Governing Board of New Leaders Council--Los Angeles Chapter, a graduate of the Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute, and an American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Scholar.
For more information, or to volunteer or contribute to the campaign, please visit https://www.mcmorrinforculvercity.com.
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