By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor
The iconic long tenured United States House of Representative stalwart Maxine Waters received her flowers when she could smell them during a glorious celebration to show appreciation for her enduring commitment to public service on Crenshaw Square on Feb. 22. The event was sponsored by Fred Leeds, owner of Fred Leeds Properties. (Francis Taylor/Photo)
Fred Leeds, owner of Fred Leeds Properties and Fred Leeds Asset Group, led the effort to celebrate the enduring legacy of Congresswoman Maxine Waters through the power of art. He and his firm, with significant properties in California, Arizona and New York, as well as the 10th Los Angeles council district, determined that it would be fitting to honor Waters at Crenshaw Square, in the heart of Crenshaw Boulevard.
Before the event got underway, the Crenshaw High School Marching Band-The Mighty Marching Cougars, and their dancers, entertained the hundreds who gathered to honor Waters. Their spirited performance added an extra layer of celebration to the event.
The Crenshaw High School Marching Band (Francis Taylor/Photo)
The crowd was filled with community members and leaders and a bevy of current and former local elected officials. The distinguished speakers shared their insights into Waters’ impactful work and the importance of art in celebrating and preserving her legacy. The event’s aim was to foster a sense of community and unity, providing a platform for open discussions and connections among attendees. Attendees were given the opportunity to indulge in the flavors of our community, as local restaurants from Crenshaw Square generously contributed to the event with a variety of complimentary delicious offerings, including pizza, turkey and roast beef sandwiches, vegetable egg rolls, and a variety of beverages.
Los Angeles Council Member Heather Hutt welcomed everyone to the event before introducing Fred Lee who offered a glowing introduction for Congresswoman Waters. He said that some refer to her as Auntie Maxine, Congresswoman Waters, Madame or even Chairwoman Waters, while acknowledging her 11th term in the United States House of Representatives, since 1991.
He reminded the crowd that Waters has been, and continues to be a champion for women, children, seniors, people of color, veterans and the homeless, to name a few. He also stated that she has made history on several occasions, most recently as the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee where she has been holding our nation’s banks accountable for their equitable treatment of individuals of color in underserved communities.
Lee reminded the crowd that Waters had reclaimed her time in the face of unbridled hostility. He applauded her lifetime of sacrifice and service to her constituents and, more broadly, to the nation as well, before asking the crowd to welcome, Congresswoman Waters!.
Congresswoman Waters thanked Lee for his gracious introduction and cited his early commitment to the Crenshaw community which has contributed to the community’s revitalization. While Waters was thankful for the recognition, she mentioned how poignant it was for this event to occur on Crenshaw Boulevard, where a building-sized image of her would be displayed during Black History Month.
She said, “Not only am I claiming my time, but I am also thankful for my time.” On the financial services committee, where she demands that banks invest on our community, she said when I fight for all of you, I believe and understand that it will benefit everyone. Waters said that she welcomed this recognition and reward and stated shat she is proud to be included among the African American women in history who preceded her in their contributions to justice, equality and equity for all Americans.
Beloved Congresswoman Maxine Waters is not only claiming her time, but thankful for her time. (Francis Taylor/Photo)
At the conclusion of Water’s remarks, a painting was unveiled, crafted by local artist, Demi Lauren , that will be showcased in a public exhibition, allowing everyone to appreciate the effort and artistic talent within our community.
Before the Congresswoman ended her remarks, she introduced her son and daughter to the audience, who individually, contribute to her work as a congresswoman and she acknowledged several well-known attendees including, the Mayor of Compton, Kevin Murray, Wanda Brown, Rod Wright, Jarrette Walker and Diane Watson, to name a few.
