Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry Honors Over 1,500 Seniors at 8th Annual ‘Seniors Celebrating Life Luncheon’

On Monday, November 10, 2008, Councilwoman Jan Perry hosted over 1,500 Ninth District Seniors from throughout Little Tokyo, Downtown, and South Central Los Angeles at her 8th Annual Seniors Celebrating Life Luncheon at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“It is important to recognize our mothers and fathers; grandmothers and grandfathers, and community activists and volunteers. Our seniors take on multiple roles in life and it is only fitting that we celebrate them for all that they do to improve their communities,” said Councilwoman Perry. “The fact that this event has grown from 350 seniors to over 1,400 seniors is a real testament to the spirit of the people of the Ninth District.” The luncheon, which has become a Ninth District tradition, is a much-anticipated event that serves as a special recognition of local seniors. It is designed to be both an informative and entertaining gathering. Its intention is to celebrate the work of our seniors while seeking to better their lives through education and discussion of health and quality of life issues.

“Ninth District Seniors are full of life and I want to celebrate this energy. It is this energy and eagerness that makes the City of Los Angeles a great place to live,” added Councilwoman Perry.

Mrs. Sammy Davis, Jr. Was Keynote Speaker

Altovise Davis, widow of the late Sammy Davis Jr., delivered the keynote address. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Altovise Davis worked during the 1960s as a chorus-line dancer in various musical shows both in London and Broadway theaters. Her relationship with Sammy Davis, Jr. started in 1968 while they were both working in the same show. They were wed in 1970 by Rev. Jesse Jackson. They remained married until Sammy Davis, Jr.’s death in 1990.

Councilwoman Perry The Trailblazer

Now in her second term as the Councilwoman for the City’s Ninth District, Jan represents some of the most troubled and impoverished yet diverse and vibrant communities in Los Angeles County.  South Central Los Angeles, Bunker Hill, Little Tokyo and Central City East, commonly known as Skid Row are Jan’s turf and, as the only black female Councilmember, Perry is shaking things up in City government. Whether implementing cutting edge improvements or ensuring delivery of fundamental services, Jan is making a positive change in the lives of her constituents. On a local level, she is successfully dealing with national issues – crime, gangs, joblessness, homelessness, affordable housing, obesity ((limiting fast food establishments coming into her district), healthcare (patient ‘dumping’) and more.  Government leaders across the nation are starting to take notice.  “I do not like seeing people get disenfranchised from our society because of ignorant and ill-conceived policies . . . my constituents are my family, my children and I want for them what any mother would want for their own child,” says Jan, a single mother.