Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — Joy Atkinson, a longtime civic leader and advocate for Black women in public policy and political leadership, has died.
Atkinson served as consulting executive director of the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute and was a founding member of the organization. She spent decades supporting its leadership development programs focused on policy training, civic education and preparation for public service.
Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Atkinson worked to expand opportunities for Black women in government, advocacy and community leadership. The institute’s programs trained hundreds of women who later pursued roles in public office, nonprofit leadership and civic engagement.
Earlier in her career, Atkinson worked for former Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, where she gained experience in legislative operations and constituent services. She later held several civic leadership roles in Los Angeles, including appointments to city commissions focused on neighborhood empowerment and community engagement.
Atkinson also served as a mentor to women pursuing careers in public service. Her influence continues through the individuals and organizations shaped by her work.
Mayor Karen Bass issued a lengthy statement paying tribute to Atkinson.
“In addition to being a trusted friend and advisor, Joy was an amazing civic leader, an advocate for her beloved South L.A., and her contributions to Los Angeles are countless,” Bass said.
“Her legacy will live on through her meaningful contributions to the public life of Los Angeles, but I and many others will remember her most as a close friend. As many in City Hall mourn her loss deeply, we feel deep gratitude for her tireless work to make our city, and indeed the democratic process, stronger. We will miss her dearly,” Bass added.
“Joy Atkinson was raised to be a trailblazer. Her father, Eddie Atkinson, was the first African American to run for the Los Angeles City Council,” Bass said. “Building upon her father’s legacy, she became active in local and state politics, helping steer Los Angeles in a new direction.
“Personally, I owe much of my political career to Joy Atkinson,” the mayor continued. “Taking me under her wing, she helped me launch and win my first election to the State Assembly, then to Congress and finally as mayor of Los Angeles. I’m grateful that she was willing to join my State Assembly staff, helping me navigate Sacramento, creating the foundation I needed to eventually become speaker of the Assembly. Now, as mayor, I was honored when she agreed to continue her service on the Board of Neighborhood Councils — exemplifying her selfless devotion to Los Angeles.
County Supervisor Holly Mitchell also paid tribute to Atkinson.
“Ms. Atkinson dedicated her life to advancing movements and candidates committed to social justice, embodying the true power of civic engagement,” Mitchell said. “Her unapologetic courage, unshakeable commitment to our communities, and unwavering support for women in politics will be deeply missed. Yet her legacy — and the enduring impact of her work — will never be forgotten.”
The Los Angeles Chapter of the NAACP also issued a statement about the death of Atkinson, calling her “a monumental figure in Los Angeles civic life whose decades of service transformed the city’s political and community landscape. A bridge-builder and mentor, Joy dedicated her life to ensuring that the voices of the marginalized—particularly Black women—were not only heard but were leading the conversation.”
“Joy Atkinson was more than a public servant; she was a pioneer who understood that true power comes from an informed and engaged community,” said Latricia T. Mitchell, president of NAACP Los Angeles. “Her integrity, her sharp political mind, and her unwavering dedication to the progress of Black Los Angeles will be profoundly missed.
“We honor her memory by continuing the work of justice and empowerment she so fiercely championed.”We extend our deepest sympathies to the Atkinson family and all those who were privileged to call Joy a mentor and friend. Rest in Power, Joy Atkinson.”
