SACRAMENTO – Members of the Sacramento Chapter of Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) gifted Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber with a custom art piece recently to thank the San Diego lawmaker for her work over the past year in calling for reform in how California law enforcement officers employ deadly use of force.
The painting, created by Gerry “GOS” Simpson, was presented to Dr. Weber in her Capitol office, a day after AB 392, the California Act To Save Lives, passed the Senate Floor. The bill, which was birthed after the Stephon Clark shooting death in March 2018, now awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom. AB 392 is specifically mentioned in the painting, with a protester holding a sign that says “Pass AB 392” as many African Americans, including members of Clark’s family, in encouraging lawmakers to vote in favor of the bill.
Representing BAPAC at the presentation were Vicki Boyd, Pastor Alice Baber-Banks, Vera Johnson, Dr. Weber, James Sweeney, BAPAC President Rory Kaufman and Vice President Mark Jacobs.
By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer
Photos by Ray Johnson | Video by Russell Stiger