Minister May Back Secession
The Rev. Frederick Murph of Brookins Community AME Church on Wednesday became the second African American leader in as many days to say he will consider supporting secession by the San Fernando Valley, harbor area and Hollywood.
Murph, who has criticized Mayor James K. Hahn for his failure to support Police Chief Bernard C. Parks for a second term, said he was forming an exploratory committee to present information about the secession movements to African Americans throughout the city.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. April 5, 2002 FOR THE RECORD
Los Angeles Times Friday April 5, 2002 Valley Edition Main News Part A Page 2 A2 Desk 2 inches; 44 words Type of Material: Correction
Secession--A story in Thursday’s California section incorrectly attributed to City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas a statement that secession by the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and the harbor area would give African Americans in Los Angeles more political clout. Councilman Nate Holden made the statement.
“We will be calling community leaders and hearing the pros and cons of secession,” said Murph, who plans to announce his initiative at a news conference today with secession leaders.
Murph said his committee will hold community meetings and sponsor focus groups.
He said frustration with Hahn was a key reason for his interest in secession.
“We have some things in common with those groups that are talking about seceding,” Murph said. “There is a lack of leadership in the city.... The thing with the police chief was mishandled.”
Hahn could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
On Tuesday, City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas told The Times that if the Valley, harbor area and Hollywood left the city, African Americans in Los Angeles would have more political clout.
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