Mayor Bass Meets With Clergy at Dulan’s on Crenshaw Ahead of Election
By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
Romans 13:1-7 reminds believers that “there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.”
Whether one agrees or disagrees politically, the scripture speaks to the seriousness of leadership and the responsibility carried by those placed in positions of authority. That spirit framed the atmosphere Wednesday morning as Karen Bass met with clergy and community leaders during a breakfast gathering at Dulan’s on Crenshaw in Los Angeles.
It’s election season and everybody needs voters to vote, and that was one of the key messages Bass brought to the pastors and faith leaders gathered around the room. She reminded attendees repeatedly that voting is already underway. “The election is not on June 2,” Bass emphasized. “It is over on June 2.” Her point was clear: waiting until the final day to cast ballots can make a difference, and she encouraged everyone to vote early or make plans to go to the polls on Election Day.
The breakfast meeting was informative, candid, and centered on issues many clergy members say they hear about weekly from their congregations—housing instability, homelessness, economic opportunity, senior support services, and access to resources throughout Los Angeles communities. Mayor Bass spoke openly about her administration’s efforts regarding housing the unhoused, capital infrastructure projects, development surrounding the Convention Center, and other initiatives currently underway throughout the city.
The clergy listened carefully, asked questions, and shared concerns directly affecting the neighborhoods they serve.
Pastor K.W. Tullos spoke about the importance of maintaining collaboration between City Hall and the Black church community, stressing that churches remain deeply connected to the daily struggles facing working families, seniors, and residents seeking stability.
“We have to continue working together to make sure our communities are not left behind,” Pastor Tullos said. “The church has always been the heartbeat of the community, and our people need information, opportunity, housing, and resources that truly reach where they live.”
As publisher of PACE NEWS for more than 31 years, I have personally watched Karen Bass grow from a grassroots organizer into the leader of one of the nation’s largest cities. Long before becoming mayor, she organized directly inside communities often overlooked and underserved, working with families and youth searching for change and opportunity. The gathering at Dulan’s reflected the continuing role churches and clergy play in voter education, civic engagement, and community advocacy throughout Black Los Angeles.
As the breakfast concluded, clergy members gathered together in prayer in unison for Mayor Bass, her leadership, and the city of Los Angeles. Regardless of political differences, the moment reflected a shared belief that leadership carries weight, responsibility, and accountability before both the people and God. The Southern Truth is this: leadership matters, prayer matters, and so does participation.
Whether by mail, early voting, or at the polls on June 2, the message inside Dulan’s on Crenshaw was clear—people must remain engaged in shaping the future of their communities.
