Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 59

Greg Akili: Decades of Proven Leadership For almost 40 years, Greg Akili has fought to increase safety and security for our community on the local, state and national level. For over 4 decades, Akili has created, protected and improved the quality of thousands of jobs and services for our families and neighborhoods.

A bridge builder from the beginning, Akili worked as an organizer for the United Farm Workers (UFW) under the leadership of the late Cesar Chavez. With the encouragement and support of Cesar, Akili helped form the United Domestic Workers (UDW) union in an historic effort to improve the working conditions and safety for thousands of African-American and Latino female home care workers throughout California.

Since then, Akili has continued to be a leader in some of the most important campaigns of our time. He served as National Organizer for Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign and Western Regional Field Director for the NAACP.

In his time with the legendary civil rights organization, Akili helped coordinate the nationwide One Nation March to bring attention and assistance to America's struggling families. His skill and effort helped bring tens of thousands of people to the nation's capital to demand investment in jobs, quality schools and healthcare

During the historic election in 2008, he led the South Los Angeles campaign to elect President Barack Obama to the White House.

One of the most respected community organizers in the country, Akili has also served in local government. He served as a staff member for two Speakers of the California State Assembly and former Lieutenant Governor and Assemblymember Mervyn Dymally. Akili also served as member of the San Diego Housing Commission and Chair of the Housing Trust Fund Taskforce to develop jobs and affordable housing.

As a senior organizer with Service Employees International Union (SEIU), he helped create the Public Authority that provided stability for thousands of home care workers. As a leader with SEIU Local 1000, he worked tirelessly with state employees to propose sensible and humane budgets to elected officials.

Currently, he is the National Field Director for the campaign to save Social Security from cuts proposed by Republicans and Tea Party activists. Everyday, Akili works with thousands of community residents in California, Florida, Colorado and other key states to protect one of the most important programs for our seniors, youth and families.

Greg Akili is a proud resident of the Vermont Knolls community with his wife, Carolyne, and their children, Tayari and Gregory.