The nineteen-year-old’s upset victory for a seat on the Culver City Unified School District Board also makes him the first Black male to serve on the Board
Triston Ezidore will become the youngest candidate to win a seat on the Culver City School Board, and the first Black male to serve on the Board.
The first-time candidate will also become the youngest public official elected in Los Angeles County, and possibly in the State of California, as well as one of the youngest candidates to win an election in the history of the United States.
“I didn’t enter this race to make history, I entered this race to make change. But the historical context of this election is not lost on me. What we offered on November's ballot was more than a vision, it was a promise to the students, faculty, and staff of Culver City Unified – a commitment to address our hardest challenges,” said Ezidore. “From every corner of the community, Culver City has spoken: change can’t wait. We are eager and ready to meet this moment.”
Triston Ezidore is ready to roll up his sleeves and hit the ground running with a fresh perspective on the issues facing the Culver City Unified School District. “As a recent graduate of Culver City High School, I understand the challenges students face every day in their classrooms, and on their campuses,” he stated.
“As the son of Vietnamese and Jamaican immigrants,” he continued, “I am a staunch believer in a School District built for all students to thrive, rooted in anti-racism, and a commitment to bold systemic change, especially for our students who have historically been left behind.”
Ezidore’ s knowledge of the issues, deep personal understanding of a student's perspective, and a strong message of equity and inclusion attracted a broad and enthusiastic base of supporters.
The candidate racked-up masses of endorsements from organizations and elected officials. He is the only candidate for Culver City School Board to receive endorsements from all four leading LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups, in addition to a number of labor unions, environmental organizations, and Democratic Clubs.
Ezidore was endorsed by dozens of current and former elected officials and civic leaders, including California Assembly Members Isaac Bryan and Tina McKinnor, Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta, Los Angeles City Councilmember Mike Bonin, Culver City Mayor Dr. Daniel Lee, Culver City Councilmembers Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Alex Fisch, Culver City School Board Vice President Paula Amezola, and School Board Members Dr. Kelly Kent, Summer McBride, and Dr. Tashon McKeithan.
After the murder of George Floyd, Ezidore joined a youth-led organization known as poc4change, which organized to push for Culver City government to center the voices and
experiences of young people. This early political involvement inspired him to run for office, motivated by his desire to help solve problems, remove barriers, and empower students.
“I feel honored to serve on the Culver City School Board,” Ezidore concluded. “I intend to work with the other Board Members to take full advantage of this opportunity to improve the District for everyone, and enhance the social and educational experience of the students it serves.”
Reader Comments(1)
trigger1924 writes:
Sad but true. Culver City has become so beyond progressive it is electing children to make decision for other children's education. City council pushed for this as it is the easiest way to steal the city from small business owners and home owners. No child should ever have the power to make any decision for schools, businesses, homeowners, taxes and so forth. This city has changed for the worse. Hoping for a turn around but will move in order not to pay for everyone who won't work.
12/03/2022, 10:42 am