Three familiar faces took the constitutional oath during the most-vital part of Carson’s municipal inauguration on Jan. 9, which was posted on the city’s website three days later. The video included dance troupes and community groups representing every corner of Carson and celebrated Lula Davis Holmes, the city’s first African-American woman mayor under its new charter. The ceremony also recognized the reelection of councilmembers Jawane Hilton and Cedric Hicks.
Hilton’s re-election in District 1 was the most lopsided of Carson’s races; his 5,780 votes constituted 51.2% of votes cast. Vincent Kim received 2,342 votes (20.75%) to finish second. Hicks earned another term in District 3, but his race was less marginal. His 4,579 votes were 40% of those cast and four percentage points ahead of Brandi Williams-Murdoch’s vote total of 4,184. Davis made history in the mayor’s race by a margin of 376 votes — less than 1% of the total — over Mayor Pro Tem Jim Dear. Davis edged Dear by taking 32.65% of the city’s vote as opposed to Dear, who garnered 31.74 percent.
The induction took place on the steps of city hall. Los Angeles County Supervisor, Holly Mitchell, swore Davis-Holmes in. Davis-Holmes recounted her journey as the first female recreation center director in the City of Carson to her appointment as the city’s superintendent of recreation and parks.
“I did not stop my journey there,” Davis-Holmes said. “I worked hard. I associated with female leaders and kept my eye on the prize. Today I stand before you as the first female African-American to be elected as mayor of this great city.”
With her elevation to mayor in a newly chartered city, Davis-Holmes’ seat is now the only at-large seat requiring the vote of residents throughout the city. In a nod to Councilman Jim Dear placing a close second in the race, Davis-Holmes in an expression of reconciliation invited her longtime political rival to join her in uniting a city divided by districts through commitment to the greater good.
“As I begin to take on this new role, I’ll ask my colleagues on the city council to adopt a creed, that we are one … one city, one community, one people,” Davis-Holmes said. “And, that every resident shall have equal access to information, resources and opportunities despite the fact we have unfortunately been divided by districts. For my administration, it’s not about me. It’s about, we, the people in Carson.”
Hilton and Hicks had the same ceremony as Davis. Hilton had former City Councilman Gil Smith, who was a founding member of the Carson City Council, where he served for 13 years, including two years as mayor (1970 to 1971 and 1974 to 1975) do the honors.
“I want to say to District 1 thank you for [the] clear victory, [with] 51% of the vote,” Hilton said. “I’m thankful for clear victory. I’m everybody’s councilman. I’m honored to serve. I look forward to working with the new mayor. I look forward to working with our councilmembers. I’m looking forward to moving Carson forward.”
Hicks, who was reelected to represent the newly formed District 3, was last to be sworn in. He chose Compton Superior Court Judge Kevin Filer who he’s had ties with for a long time and who is familiar with the road he’s traveled as both are from similar backgrounds.
Filer reminded everyone of how far Hicks has gone as he recalled his first position with the City of Carson as a park volunteer. He beamed with pride as he reminded everyone that Hicks was Carson’s first African-American director of community services.
Hicks spoke of equal opportunity for Carson’s residents, saying he is going to lead the charge in making healthcare, technology, professional services, economic and educational equality a reality for all. He, along with Hilton and Davis, said they couldn’t wait to work with the new president and vice president in a collaborative effort to work on an economic plan to help sustain the city, especially during the pandemic.
The main message that the mayor and the council had for their residents is that they will work hard to create and maintain cohesiveness with a city that has been divided by districts. They want to let Carson residents know that they aren’t only your district’s council members, but still your city’s council members.