What happened to Latina Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez happens to local Latina leaders too; we must call it out in order to change it.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) was accosted and called many names by a male colleague in Congress. You may have heard her powerful public response. This national instance of disgrace highlights the hostility toward women and especially against Latinas at a time when people of color (POC) are dying at alarming rates from COVID-19. Our communities are hurting yet we also have to take time to call out a cultural normalization of divisive hate toward Latinos and all POC. 

Unfortunately, these dehumanizing attacks are not only perpetrated by men on a national scale, but they are happening at a very local level by men and women toward Latinas in elected positions, here in Los Angeles too. 

After a few days of reflection, I am amplifying awareness of a local example of this hostility that happened to LA Latina community leader, Andrea Ambriz on July 14th, 2020 — at the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) publicly held board meeting. 

When Ms. Ambriz raised her concerns about equity, diversity, and inclusion, as the only woman of color on the Board, she was attacked, and “flipped off/given the middle finger" in response by the Vice-Chair. In addition to the obscene action, the Vice-Chair also made inaccurate and mischaracterizing statements about Ms. Ambriz, who has a strong background in public service. The Vice-Chair attacked Ms. Ambriz for referencing her Latina background, in a disparaging and condescending tone (even though Ms. Ambriz didn’t use the term “Latino/a”). Soon after, the Vice-Chair thrust her finger into her own mouth as part of an angry fit. Another board member also pointed out that the Vice Chair’s actions and line of questioning were an attack on Ms. Ambriz's leadership capabilities. 

Asking for equitable and diverse leadership is not something that should be controversial. 

Earlier in the meeting, I pointed out that the only Latina on the board (Ms. Ambriz) was again not appointed to lead a standing committee for the second year in a row. She is more than qualified (see her bio here). But, a lack of equity, inclusion, and diversity are not new issues to MVCC, perpetuated by the Chair, current leadership, and other select MVCC board members. 

The Vice Chair’s actions are shameful to the community, which has a significant Latino population, renter population, to people of color, and a big "flip off" to meeting decorum.

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Many of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Councils need more diversity and inclusion across all groups. However, why would diverse community members get involved at a local community level if they will likely be subject to discrimination, from some of the very leaders of these local councils? 

We have to show our communities that aggressive and prejudicial behavior will not be tolerated, especially during this time of national protests and calls for accountability against racially driven bias and violence. 

Silence preserves systems in place which protect racist, sexist, or even "racist-lite” actions and aggressions by bad actors. 

Let’s not "give the bird" to our communities of color; instead, let’s take peaceful action and speak up.

To read Ms. Ambriz statement regarding the incident, click( here)


Update to this story:

It was brought to my attention after the initial posting of this story that the chair (for no given reason) removed a women of color (Ms. Williams) from the PLUM committee Co-Chair leadership to replace her with the current Vice-Chair (women that flipped off Ms. Ambriz). It appears that the Chair has made these types of discriminatory actions not in isolation but as part of a pattern spanning years.

Things you can do to help: 

1. Contact the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners to ask for equity and diversity in all councils. 

2. Raise awareness— to show that this happens at every level.

3. Donate or volunteer for organizations like Vote, Run, Lead // Fund Her // Emerge CA // National Women’s Political Caucus // PODER PAC // Run For Something // & Latinas Lead to support women running for office (at all levels) that believe in dignity and respect for women of color.