Monrovia Mayor to Be Honored by NAACP

The Pasadena branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is honoring Monrovia Mayor Mary Ann Lutz on Thursday at the 26th Annual Awards Dinner for her “dedication to improving the quality of life for all Monrovians,” said Pasadena NAACP President Joe Brown.

“Over the past three years, we have watched her transform the City of Monrovia for the better,” said President Brown, who expects nearly 400 people to attend the event, which will be held at the Pasadena Hilton. “She is the epitome of what every new incoming mayor should be about – that is inclusion at the table for everyone.”

Each year, the Pasadena NAACP – which represents Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia and Duarte – selects individuals and businesses who help improve the quality of life in their communities. This year, Mayor Lutz will be honored along with Pasadena Police Chief Phil Sanchez and Duarte Councilwoman Lois Gaston.

Mayor Lutz was recommended nearly two years ago, during which time the NAACP observed her service to the community. Of particular interest to the selection committee was her leadership and ability to make good on her promises, President Brown said.

“I’m truly honored to be recognized by an organization that has been fighting for the past 92 years to ensure that everyone is treated with equality and fairness,” said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz. “No matter how much progress we think we’ve made through the years, it is more important than ever to remain committed to ensuring justice for all – and the NAACP has done just that for many of our San Gabriel Valley residents.”

The Pasadena branch of the NAACP was founded on Sept. 8, 1919, when a small group of citizens was called by John Wright, who eventually became the founding president, to meet and discuss the need of minority people of Pasadena and surrounding areas. Today, it is the 13th oldest branch of the nearly 3,000 NAACP branches that exist in the United States.

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