Bradford and Jones

Brian Green, consultant with the Senate Democratic Caucus, reports the Caucus’ Then There’s California podcast is out with a new episode that focuses on Black History Month. It features Sen. Steven Bradford in conversation with his legislative aide Domonique Jones and Green discussing how “civil rights successes of the past and the implicit biases of the present, inform and affect our society in 2019.” Green says this 33-minute episode is unique in that Jones did most of the interviewing; asking her boss about his personal and professional life. Bradford told stories of his childhood growing up in Gardena and how he felt he was denied jobs based on his race. He also told a story from his days in the Assembly about getting in the Legislators Only elevator at the Capitol, when a couple who were evidently touring the building hopped in with him. Bradford said he politely mentioned to them that the elevator was reserved for legislators, but still they remained. Later he said he overheard one surmising to the other that Bradford must be with Capitol security rather than a legislator. “They could not fathom for one minute that even though this is a members elevator that I could be a member,” Bradford said. “I proceeded to take them on a 20-minute tour of places that they couldn’t go until I walked on the floor with Dotson Wilson, who said to the couple, ‘You must be really special… the Assemblyman doesn’t bring anyone to this floor’ and their jaws nearly hit the floor.” The podcast is available on the Democratic Caucus website and iTunes. Contact: Brian.Green@sen.ca.gov.