![]() “People may not know Mark Ridley-Thomas personally, but he’s accessible,” he said. ![]() “Do you think we’re getting this seat back once it’s gone?” That was Clark’s refrain all day in conversations with neighbors, family and friends. It’s a very small world, and we all know each other.”Ĭlark, who inherited his childhood home and other properties in South L.A., perceived the allegations against Ridley-Thomas as part of a greater challenge facing the middle-class Black community the councilman belongs to and represents, one he believes is vulnerable to being underrepresented in politics. “From Baldwin Hills, Ladera Heights, Leimert Park, Windsor Hills, View Park and Baldwin Village. and you’re Black, it’s a very small world,” he noted. Clark grew up in Baldwin Vista in, he said, a network of middle-class families that included the Ridley-Thomases. In Baldwin Vista, David Clark was at a neighbor’s house lamenting the news. The desperation that brought USC dean, Mark Ridley-Thomas together He’s fought for the community in many ways like that.”Ĭalifornia A son’s troubles, financial desperation brought USC dean, Mark Ridley-Thomas together On the Crenshaw line, he helped get the station at Leimert Park Village. “Most people who are actually doing the work in the policy field will talk about a complex relationship with him,” Goodmon noted. Goodmon, who has engaged Ridley-Thomas on a number of issues over the years, says he and many other Black organizers have struggled with the politician, but overall he’s a significant asset to the Black community. “If he is forced to resign, especially now at a time where we’re fighting over district lines and resources for Council Districts 8, 9 and 10 - coupled with so many other things - that could potentially be a huge blow to the district, not just now or for the next few months, but for years,” community activist Damien Goodmon said. ![]() All over the 10th District, the question of Ridley-Thomas’ guilt or innocence was secondary to concern about the implications for L.A.’s remaining Black power base, which many residents perceived as under attack.
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