Bradley made L.A.

Jimmy Chai

Tom Bradley's 20-year tenure as mayor built the foundation for a better Los Angeles. Bradley's death Tuesday morning was felt throughout Southern California.

As the first black mayor of Los Angeles, Bradley brought together diverse groups that worked well together, which contrasted with politicians who wanted to remain divided, said Jay Stevens, a CSULB political science professor.

One of Bradley's most hailed accomplishments was bringing the 1984 Olympics to Los Angeles. While his critics predicted economic ruin, the formerUCLA track and field star defied all doubts and created one of the most successful Olympics ever. His business savvy served as a model for future Olympics.

But underneath his political face, Bradley accomplished a greater feat. During Bradley's tenure, Los Angeles faced a population and ethnic explosion. In the 1970s and 1980s, Los Angeles became home to countless numbers of immigrants.

With the rapid growth of Los Angeles and surrounding areas, Bradley helped develop what is now known as Southern California, which before Bradley's tenure was dry, undeveloped land.

"Tom Bradley had a profound impact not just on the city of Los Angeles, but also on our region, our state and our nation," said Stephen Horn, former CSULB president and current 38th District U.S. representative, in a press release.

Jimmy Chai is a film and electronic arts major at CSULB.