Thomas J. Bradley

Thomas J. Bradley

Thomas J. Bradley

Thomas J. Bradley was an American politician who served as the Mayor of Los Angeles from 1973 to 1993. He was the first African American mayor of Los Angeles and remains the only individual to have held that office for five terms.

Early Life

Born on December 29, 1917, in Calvert, Texas, Thomas J. Bradley moved to Los Angeles in 1940 after serving in the Los Angeles Police Department during World War II. He earned a law degree from Southwestern Law School and became involved in local politics.

Political Career

Bradley's political career began in 1963 when he was elected to the Los Angeles City Council. He later ran for mayor in 1969 but was unsuccessful. In 1973, he ran again and won, becoming the first African American mayor of Los Angeles. During his time in office, Bradley focused on improving race relations, expanding public transportation, and revitalizing the city's economy. He was known for his inclusive leadership style and ability to bring diverse groups together. Bradley's tenure as mayor was not without controversy, as he faced criticism for his handling of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Despite this, he remained a respected figure in Los Angeles politics until his retirement in 1993.

Legacy

Thomas J. Bradley's legacy as a trailblazing African American politician and influential mayor of Los Angeles continues to be celebrated. His impact on the city's development and his commitment to social justice have left a lasting mark on Los Angeles.