By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Nathaniel “Nate” Holden, a prominent figure in the city’s politics, passed away at the age of 95, his family confirmed on May 7.

Holden, who represented South Los Angeles for 16 years on the City Council and served one term in the California State Senate, was widely regarded as a forceful advocate for his community.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.”

Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Holden’s journey to political prominence began in the segregated South, where he was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1929. He often recalled the childhood moment when he first heard the governor of Georgia vowing to continue suppressing Black people.

“Doing the best you can for the people. Law and order. Make sure that people’s communities are safe. I did it all,” said Holden, reflecting on his legacy.

Holden is survived by his sons, including former California Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represented a district in Southern California that includes Pasadena and Altadena in Los Angeles County and cities in San Bernardino County.

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COMMENTARY: Prayer is Your Power

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Special to the Post

Mrs. Rose Abrams and family is mourning the passing of Edward Earl Abrams. Mr. Abrams passed on Monday, Jan. 6. The Oakland Community knew him as Eddie Abrams, the man with a video camera in his hands, always prepared to capture history as it was being made.

Eddie was born in Hub, Mississippi, and came to Oakland, CA in 1946 at the age of 15. He attended McClymonds High School and was also a member of the Army Reserve. Although Eddie did not play sports, he could give you history and stats on all the great ball players who came through McClymonds’ doors.

In 1950, Eddie worked at the Naval Air Station as a warehouse supervisor until he retired in 1985.  After his retirement, he organized and provided leadership to the Family Resource Community Center known by many as The House of Unity. He also hosted a show with Soul Beat TV titled “O.U.R.S. Hour,” for One United Resource System.

The mission was to provide Black empowerment and unity by bringing Black leaders to speak. Comedian/Activist Dick Gregory, educators John Henry Clark, and Frances Cress Welsing were often invited guests.

The House of Unity was a place for local leaders in Oakland to also speak to provide encouragement to students, seniors, and its residents. Eddie loved his community and wanted to provide it with as much history and education as possible through his hand-held video camera.

Eddie leaves to mourn Rose, his wife of 60 years, four children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 20 at Beth Eden Baptist Church at 1183 Tenth St. Oakland, CA  at 11 a.m. For more information, please contact Kim Abrams via text at 510-757-6366.

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By Paul Cobb

“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “President Carter displayed a lifelong commitment to global peace, justice, and human rights. He inspired me and countless others.”

“I send my condolences to his family, his loved ones, and all who loved him. May he now Rest in Peace with his wife, Rosalynn,”. Lee continued.

Barbara Lee said she still treasures her CD Sunday school lessons that she participated in as a visitor to Jimmy Carter’s Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. She told The Post that she attended gospel concerts at the Carter White House as the staff aide for the late Congressman Ron Dellums.

“I also invited congressional staff to visit his Sunday school teachings. He taught us lessons on how to apply our faith to our policy work in government and in our respective communities. He practiced what he preached and represented a change in social and racial advancements.”

Barbara Lee with President Carter and First Lady Rosalyn. Lee has treasured the Carters and notes of his Sunday School Bible lessons through the years. Photos courtesy of Rep. Lee’s office.

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