May 21, 2020

LAWT News Service

 

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued a statement on the death of community activist and former Los Angeles Sentinel columnist, Larry Aubry: 

“Greater Los Angeles has lost one of the most prolific writers, activists, and civil rights leaders we have ever known: the one and only Larry Aubry. 

“I have known Larry Aubry and his family for more than 40 years. He was a man who always had his finger on the pulse of the needs of African Americans in greater Los Angeles, and he earned a reputation for dealing with the issues of equality and injustice within our community.

Larry was never afraid to use the power of his pen as a brilliant, wise, and highly respected columnist at the Los Angeles Sentinel to shine a light on the plight of African Americans.

His column was a staple in the Sentinel for 33 years, and his thoughtful commentary and analysis on issues like criminal justice reform, worker’s rights, and education was highly regarded by local residents and community leaders. 

“Like many in Los Angeles, I first came to know Larry Aubry on the picket line. Larry was the epitome of an activist. He spoke truth to power and was persistent in his pursuit of fairness.

 

His activism spanned decades, and his leadership and service on the Los Angeles NAACP, the Inglewood Coalition for Drug and Violence Prevention, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute will never be forgotten.

Larry knew all of the African American elected officials, and he did not hesitate to engage them on the issues in their respective legislative bodies. Larry was particularly concerned about education in the Black community and even served on the Inglewood School Board years ago.

 

He was a constant presence at many community events, and he was a skilled public speaker who could rapidly articulate his concerns and recommendations -- no matter how short the time frame he was allotted to speak. 

“Larry was also deeply concerned about the African diaspora, and often wrote about the plight of many African countries and Haiti. He was deeply involved in the movement to secure Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in South Africa, wrote columns about the horrors of apartheid, and attended the welcome ceremony that I organized for Nelson Mandela at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1990. 

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with Larry through our efforts on the Committee to Save King/Drew Medical Center. We engaged in the fight to save the hospital despite opposition from some local leaders. 

“On behalf of the entire Greater Los Angeles community, I thank Larry Aubry for always showing up, speaking out, and using his influence to ensure that African Americans could have a good quality of life and have access to the fair and equitable services they need and deserve. My deepest sympathies are with the entire Aubry family, Larry’s friends, colleagues, neighbors, and all of those who love and appreciate him as much as I do.”

Category: Community