A Historic Election in Culver City
On Monday, December 11th, 2023, the city of Culver City made history when the City Council unanimously elected Yasmine-Imani McMorrin to serve as the city’s mayor. Mayor McMorrin is the first woman of color and only the sixth woman to hold the mayoral position in Culver City’s 106-year history.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to continue serving Culver City in this historic capacity as its newest Mayor,” stated Mayor McMorrin. “As the first Black woman councilmember, this moment resonates deeply with me.”
McMorrin was initially elected to Culver City’s City Council in 2020. This past year she served as the City Council’s Vice Mayor before being elected mayor by her colleagues. She will serve a 12-month mayoral term per the city’s charter.
An Advocate for Her Community
Prior to her city council election, Mayor McMorrin served as Vice Chair of Culver City’s General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC). Through this position and as a council member, she has focused on policies to advance local businesses and protect vulnerable community members.
“In these extraordinary times, our city requires steady, focused and forward-thinking leadership,” remarked Mayor McMorrin upon her election. “I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead and boosting our successes as we work to build a more prosperous and inclusive Culver City.”
Outside of her mayoral duties, Yasmine-Imani McMorrin works as a Director of Education Equity at the California Children’s Defense Fund. She is also a mother and proud graduate of Spelman College and Rutgers Law School.
Making History Again
Mayor McMorrin is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2020, she made history as the first Black woman elected to Culver City’s council. She also served as the first Black woman councilmember to be appointed Vice Mayor earlier this year.
Her election comes a year after Culver City issued a formal apology for past discriminatory practices against its minority residents. Though African Americans still only account for a small percentage of the city’s population, McMorrin’s ascent to the mayoral seat marks a shift towards greater representation.
On January 8th, 2024, Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin presided over her first city council meeting. As Culver City’s first woman of color in the highest elected office, her leadership ushers in a more inclusive chapter for the city.
