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Over the past two weekends, residents of California’s 43rd Congressional District have gathered
in growing numbers to voice their concerns and strengthen their civic understanding in response
to what many are calling a dangerous overreach by the Trump administration.
Spearheaded by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Inglewood), the district’s longtime
representative and the ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, two major
town hall meetings were convened, drawing more than 100 engaged citizens to the first event
alone.
Held on Saturday, April 26, the initial town hall marked the official kickoff of what Waters
described as an “ongoing effort to educate, inform, and mobilize” the public in defense of
democratic oversight and the rule of law. As questions swirl around executive orders and
administrative directives that appear to bypass both congressional and judicial scrutiny, Waters
has positioned herself as a frontline advocate for government transparency and accountability.
“There is a coordinated effort to erode our institutions, to silence oversight, and to rewrite the
norms of governance,” Waters declared to a packed room. “We must be vigilant. We must be
loud. And above all, we must be informed.”
The gathering included a number of local officials and community leaders, reflecting the serious
tone of the event. Among those in attendance were Inglewood Councilwoman Gloria Gray,
known for her work on public infrastructure and water rights; Veronica Mackey, editor of
Inglewood Today; and multiple members of the press and independent media. Local
photographers documented the event, which was also widely shared on social media,
amplifying its message across the district.
The panel featured a diverse lineup of experts and advocates, each offering insight into specific
aspects of the administration’s policies and their impact on everyday Americans. Panelists
included:
Marlisa Rosen, a healthcare policy analyst, who warned of backdoor attempts to weaken Social
Security and Medicare.
Chancela Al-Mansour, a housing advocate, who drew attention to Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) decisions that she described as “market-driven deregulation at the
expense of low-income families.”
Martha Santana Chin, representing veterans’ affairs groups, who spoke of rising concerns about
the erosion of services for former service members.
Jerome Champion, a HUD official, who gave rare on-the-record remarks about changes in
oversight mechanisms and threats to public housing protections.
Jon “Bowzer” Bowman, a former musician-turned-activist (formerly with the 60s group,
Shanana), who lent both insight and levity to the gathering while discussing the intersection of
pop culture and politics.
Aba Ngissah, a civil rights professional and former President of the Inglewood Teachers
Association, who outlined how certain executive orders have undermined due process and
targeted immigrant communities..
Joyce Jenning, a teacher, union activist, and Inglewood resident, who fought to save Inglewood
and is speaking out against college students being illegally deported.
Dominic Brown, President of the American Postal Workers Union, who is fighting against the
U.S. Postal Service being commercialized and run by the Department of Commerce.
Larry Brown, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers, who advocates for the
rights and fair treatment of postal workers.
A central theme across all panel was the belief that recent firings of key government watchdogs
and increasing use of non-government personnel—often with partisan affiliations—to access
sensitive citizen data, represents a troubling turn for the executive branch. “These are not just
technical violations,” said Rosen. “They are deliberate, strategic efforts to dismantle protections
built over generations.”
On social media, footage and quotes from the event quickly gained traction. One clip of
Representative Waters passionately stating, “This isn’t just about Trump—it’s about any future
president who thinks they can override Congress or the courts,” garnered over 50,000 views
within 24 hours.
Community response has been robust. Local neighborhood councils are reportedly organizing
follow-up meetings, while student groups from nearby colleges are forming study groups around
constitutional law and executive power. The phrase “We The People Are Watching,” prominently
displayed on a banner at the event, is now trending locally on platforms like X and Instagram.
Councilwoman Gray later told Inglewood Today, “Our community has always been politically
active, but what we’re seeing now is a deeper hunger—not just for action, but for understanding.
These town halls are lighting that fire.”
Kelly M., who has attended two other town halls in Compton, said the event reminded her of civil
rights-era teach-ins. “There’s a renewed energy here,” she noted. “People are showing up not
just to protest, but to learn—about the Constitution, about federal agencies, about the power of
their vote.”
As the Trump Administration continues to test boundaries of executive power, Representative
Waters has vowed to hold additional forums throughout the district, perhaps including targeted
sessions focused on youth civic engagement and digital surveillance rights.
“This is only the beginning,” Waters concluded. “We are building an informed resistance—one
that understands its rights, knows the Constitution, and refuses to let authoritarianism go
unchallenged.”
If attendance and public interest are any indicators, the people of Inglewood and surrounding
communities are ready to be educated and meet the challenges head-on.
Congresswoman Waters’ staff regularly updates your community newspaper, Inglewood Today
and Inglewoodtoday.com on current and upcoming Town Hall Meetings.
Join us.
