Black leadership in action: Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and California Controller Malia Cohen on justice, equity and the road ahead

by Kevin Epps 

As the nation faces a shifting political and social landscape, leaders steadfastly committed to justice, equity and inclusion continue to push forward. 

Among them are newly elected Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and California State Controller Malia Cohen, two trailblazers who have dedicated their careers to advocating for Black, Brown and vulnerable communities. 

At a recent and timely discussion quasi moderated by Glide President and CEO Dr. Gina Fromer, the three powerhouse women spoke about the urgent challenges ahead, the resilience of Black leadership, and the collective action needed to protect hard-fought gains. 

Resilience in the face of struggle 

Both Simon and Cohen reflected on how their upbringings shaped their dedication to public service. “My parents both left the South, escaping Jim Crow, and found each other right here in San Francisco,” Simon shared. “Despite deep struggles, they built community in Bayview, the

Fillmore and Ocean Ingleside. My mother worked tirelessly, and my father was always present. That sense of resilience is what drives me today.” 

For Cohen, who also grew up in Bayview and Portola, the drive to serve was also deeply personal. “I come from a family of hardworking people who understood that economic empowerment and self determination was key to breaking cycles of inequality,” she said. “Their struggles, and the lessons they passed down, pushed me to fight for communities that are too often overlooked.” 

Dr. Fromer, moderator and a sixth-generation San Franciscan and Bayview Hunters Point native, asked questions and shared how economic hardships in her own childhood strengthened her resolve to give back. “I know firsthand how hard it can be to make it out of poverty,” she said. “That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to ensuring that future generations have better opportunities.” 

Faith, policy and the fight for inclusion 

Simon, who is Muslim, spoke about the role of faith, both personally and in the broader fight for justice. “I know the depth and beauty of the New Testament, and I know the Quran and Hadith,” Simon said. “Before my father’s untimely passing, he made me promise to always lift up our faith — faith that means peace and the love of God. Like those who read the Torah and pray in the New Testament, we fast, we listen, and I’m looking forward to Ramadan as a time of renewal and clarity.” 

Cohen emphasized how faith and perseverance are essential in this time of Trump uncertainty. “This is a praying community,” she said. “We have to stay prayed up and remind ourselves that we’ve seen these attacks before. This is not new. What we are witnessing — erasing diversity, equity and inclusion policies, dismantling programs that uplift Black and Brown communities — is a deliberate effort to create chaos. But we are stronger than that.” 

Government accountability and economic justice 

For Cohen, economic justice and government accountability remain top priorities. “Pretextual stops by law enforcement, used indiscriminately, are harmful,” she stated. “As controller, my job is to ensure guardrails are in place so public funds are spent appropriately. We have to make sure money is being invested in ways that actually uplift communities.” Simon echoed the need for accountability, particularly in how public resources are distributed. “Too often, those who need support the most are left behind,” she said. “Government must be intentional about investing in communities that have been historically marginalized.

”Both leaders emphasized the importance of shifting from a consumer mindset to one of empowerment and ownership. “We must move beyond just consuming — whether from the government, the corner store or anywhere else,” Cohen stated. “Too often, what we consume is poisoning our minds, our spirits and our bodies. And I include myself in that reflection. This is a journey, and I am a work in progress too.” Simon added, “Economic justice is about more than wages. It’s about ownership, opportunity and ensuring that Black and Brown communities are not just surviving, but thriving.” 

Looking to the past, preparing for the future 

In closing, both leaders emphasized the importance of honoring our history, and those who fought before them, and preparing future generations to continue the fight. “We have to look to our elders,” Simon urged. “Because while this moment seems insane, there were those who gave their very bones, their very ancestry, and their very lives so that we would be equipped to fight today.” 

Cohen agreed, emphasizing the power of collective action and organizing. “We don’t do this work alone,” she said. “It takes all of us — leaders, activists, community members — standing together to push for justice.” Both Congresswoman Simon and State Controller Cohen have had extraordinary careers fighting for the rights of Black, Brown, women and vulnerable communities. 

Dr. Fromer honored their leadership, saying: “We are so honored to host these women, who represent greatness all around — women who are fighting to make real change in this world.” As challenges continue, leaders like Simon, Cohen and Fromer are making it clear: The fight for justice, equity and inclusion is far from over. 

The Bay View’s executive editor and Hunters Point’s favorite son, filmmaker Kevin Epps, is best known for the game-changing “Straight Outta Hunters Point” and for “Black Rock,” “Rap Dreams,” “Fam Bam” and more. He was awarded an artist fellowship by the world renowned de Young Museum. His passion for advocacy for his community is legendary. He can be reached at [email protected].

The post Black leadership in action: Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and California Controller Malia Cohen on justice, equity and the road ahead appeared first on San Francisco Bay View.

Source: https://sfbayview.com/2025/04/black-leadership-in-action-congresswoman-lateefah-simon-and-california-controller-malia-cohen-on-justice-equity-and-the-road-ahead/