Black Clergy Gather At Breakfast to Pray for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
CRENSHAW — In a powerful display of faith, unity, and community leadership, dozens of Black pastors and faith leaders from across Los Angeles gathered Wednesday morning at Dulan’s on Crenshaw for a prayer breakfast with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Held in the heart of one of the city’s most historic Black communities, the gathering brought together clergy whose churches serve as spiritual homes, community resource centers, and pillars of hope for thousands of Angelenos. The breakfast offered an opportunity for fellowship, prayer, and honest conversation about the challenges facing neighborhoods across Los Angeles and the collective responsibility to meet those challenges together.
Organized by Shianne Smith, Community Engagement Manager for Mayor Bass’ re-election campaign along with longtime political consultant Kerman Maddox, pastors lifted prayers for Mayor Bass and for her wisdom, discernment, and strength in leading the nation’s second-largest city.
Mayor Bass thanked the clergy for their unwavering commitment to serving Los Angeles beyond Sunday mornings, recognizing that Black churches have long stood at the forefront of feeding families, mentoring young people, supporting seniors, advocating for justice, and responding to crises long before government resources arrive.
“The Black church has always been more than a place of worship,” one pastor remarked. “It has been a place where communities organize, heal, and find hope.”
Also addressing the clergy was Julie Chávez Rodríguez, chief strategist for Mayor Karen Bass’ reelection campaign. Chávez Rodríguez, who served as the campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign, transitioning to that role from President Joe Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign, spoke about the importance of continued community engagement and coalition-building ahead of the November runoff election, emphasizing the campaign’s commitment to working alongside faith leaders and neighborhood stakeholders to reach voters across Los Angeles.
Hosting the event at Dulan’s—a beloved Black-owned institution and longtime gathering place for civic and community leaders—underscored the significance of investing in Black-owned businesses while convening conversations focused on the future of Los Angeles.
The morning concluded with pastors stretching out their hands in prayer, reaffirming their shared commitment to working alongside Mayor Bass to build safer, healthier, and more prosperous neighborhoods for all Angelenos.
For generations, the Black church has served as both the conscience and cornerstone of Los Angeles’ Black community. Wednesday’s prayer breakfast reflected that enduring legacy and the continued partnership between faith leaders and Mayor Bass in addressing the needs of the people they both serve
The prayer breakfast comes as Mayor Karen Bass continues her reelection campaign ahead of the November runoff election. With faith leaders historically playing a significant role in civic engagement and voter participation, the gathering highlighted the enduring relationship between the Black church and elected leadership.
