Sharon R. Blackburn – one of the founders of the Zapata-King Neighborhood Council – passed away September 17, 2018.

Sharon was a leading light in her community for over 25 years, and was devoted to raising up the marginalized youth and adults of South Central Los Angeles. Besides serving on the ZKNC board and the Community Police Advisory Board, she was director of the South Central Prevention Coalition, and drew on her experience as a City of Compton substance abuse counselor in the 80s and 90s to help establish First AME Church’s Substance Abuse Program. She also worked with the Southern California Black Panther Memory Project – a group dedicated to preserving the local legacy of the Black Panther Party – to spearhead the 41st & Central Panther monument and square dedication.

In 2016, Sharon was recognized with a SHero Award, which honors the outstanding women of the New Ninth Council District.

Thank you Sharon, for your hard work on behalf of South Central Los Angeles, and for your leadership in the Neighborhood Council system!