By Dr. Lamont A. Francies, PPSC
December 22, 2020
The voters of Antioch California decided this Fall to elect the second African American Mayor in the history of the city. Former police chief Wade Harper made history in 2012, becoming the first Black mayor elected in the city’s 140 years of existence. Mayor Harper narrowly loss re-election in 2016 to local chiropractor Dr. Sean Wright. On the evening on November 3rd 2020, the residents of Antioch made a statement at the ballot and decided the city needed a change in leadership. Mayor-elect Thorpe is excited to serve the people of Antioch and bring about systemic changes the improve the quality of life in the city.
Born in prison, raised in foster care and graduating high school illiterate, Lamar Thorpe is no stranger to hard work and overcoming tough challenges. After being dismissed from community college due to his illiteracy and with limited options to succeed in life, Lamar enlisted in the United States Navy with the hope and the desire to fulfill his God-given potential through his service to this country. It was there that he was determined to teach himself to read and write; and eventually becoming a Navy paralegal. Lamar has served a total of eight years having earned several medals, including the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for his service in the Global War on Terror following the attacks of September 11, 2001.
After several years in higher education administration, Lamar has had the privilege of serving as an administrator to a number of acclaimed colleges and universities including The George Washington University, Delaware Valley College, and San Jose State University.
Today Lamar is an Antioch City Councilman and an advocate of Police Reform. He is a supporter of Black Lives Matter and an advocate for the homeless. Lamar vows to be usher in new age in Antioch and fulfill his campaign promise to be a ‘leader who listens’.
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