Black women leaders across California rally behind Xavier Becerra after a statewide Memorial Day conversation on equity, leadership, and the future of California.
Magazine, The Immigrant Experience
Oakland, CA — Following a statewide Memorial Day community conversation on May 25th that engaged more than 150 Black women leaders, elected officials, advocates, educators, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders from across California — including participants from Bakersfield, San Diego, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Sacramento, the Central Valley, and the Greater Bay Area — Black Women Organized for Political Action Political Action Committee (BWOPA-PAC) proudly announces its endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra for Governor of California.
The virtual conversation centered on issues impacting Black Californians, including education reform, economic justice, Black maternal health, criminal justice reform, democracy, and representation in government leadership.
BWOPA leaders emphasized that Secretary Becerra’s extensive governing experience is especially important during what they described as a “fragile and uncertain moment for California and the nation with the livelihood of Black women and families under attack, California needs experienced leadership that understands governance, knows how to protect our communities, and can lead during difficult times,” said LaNiece Jones, State President & CEO of BWOPA ONE. “Secretary Becerra has served in the California Legislature, Congress, as California Attorney General, and as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Biden. His demonstrated ability to fight for Californians matters deeply at this moment.”
“For five decades, I was honored to help lead BWOPA’s work building political power for Black women and advancing policies that improve the lives of our families and communities,” said BWOPA State President Emeritus Dezie Woods-Jones. “Our endorsement of Xavier Becerra reflects that legacy and responsibility. His record demonstrates a commitment to healthcare access, reproductive freedom, civil rights, economic security, and protecting communities too often left behind. BWOPA believes he is prepared to defend California’s progress and build a future where Black women, families, workers, and communities of color can thrive.”
Assemblymember Lori Wilson emphasized the importance of authentic engagement with Black communities. “In moments like this, California needs leadership that understands both policy and people,” said Wilson. “Secretary Becerra’s willingness to engage directly with Black women leaders and discuss the issues impacting our communities speaks volumes about his approach to public service.”
Stephanie Roberson, founder of Stephanie Roberson Strategies and moderator of the discussion, reflected on the substance of the conversation. “This was not a surface-level political conversation,” Roberson said. “Secretary Becerra addressed healthcare equity, economic justice, constitutional protections, and representation in government with both experience and thoughtfulness. Black communities are looking for leadership that understands systems and solutions.”
During the forum, panelists raised questions surrounding educational equity, affordability, healthcare disparities, economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, and leadership representation.
San Mateo County Board Supervisor Lisa Gauthier noted that California needs effective, strategic and equitable fiscal leadership to address widening disparities, harmful budget cuts, and outdated policies that continue to impact the future and quality of life in communities across the state — leadership she believes Secretary Becerra brings through his extensive experience in state and federal government.
Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, former Director of California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate, focused on economic justice, entrepreneurship, and homeownership opportunities for Black Californians. “We need a leader who will prioritize affordability and economic opportunity at scale,” Gray said. “Secretary Becerra spoke to specific policies he would prioritize to address workforce development, homeownership, and small business growth.”
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom questioned Becerra on his commitment to prioritizing Black women in boards, commissions, judicial appointments, cabinet positions, and senior staffing roles.
“As Black women, we continue to lead in advocacy, policy, education, business, and civic engagement, yet remain underrepresented in positions of influence,” said Ransom. “Secretary Becerra’s response demonstrated awareness and intentionality around ensuring Black women are represented at decision-making tables throughout state government.”
Becerra reflected on his tenure as California Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services, highlighting efforts to recruit and appoint Black leaders into senior leadership roles and emphasizing the importance of lived experience in leadership.
“Secretary Becerra did not simply speak about diversity and inclusion as concepts,” Jones added. “He shared concrete examples of intentionally bringing Black women and Black leaders into positions of influence and decision-making throughout his administration. That level of intentionality and partnership is meaningful to BWOPA.”
BWOPA leaders also highlighted Becerra’s record defending California’s civil rights protections, healthcare access, environmental protections, and immigrant communities, as well as his leadership on Black maternal health initiatives, including expanded postpartum care coverage, support for doula services, and maternal mental health investments.
Founded in Oakland in 1968 by 12 politically astute Black women, BWOPA has grown into a statewide network with 10 organizing chapters dedicated to increasing Black political power and advancing policies centered on equity, representation, economic opportunity, health equity, and justice throughout California.
BWOPA PAC stated its endorsement reflects confidence in Becerra’s ability to lead California during a pivotal period while maintaining strong partnerships with Black communities and Black women leaders across the state.
*** Editorial Note: BWOPA PAC endorsed Tony Thurmond lifetime BWOPA member early 2025, through our early endorsement process. We have now expanded our support through a dual endorsement of both candidates.
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