government
Billy G. Mills, one of LA's first Black city council members, has died
By Dañiel Andres Martinez at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 5, 2026
· 2 min read
Council member Billy Mills (forefront) is shown in City Hall council chambers during a commendation ceremony acknowledging the City Delivery Centennial circa 1963.(Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation / Los Angeles Public Library)Billy Gene Mill...
Key takeaway City Council, died on June 27 in his Leimert Park home.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The passing of Billy G. Mills marks the end of an era for Los Angeles, a city that has long struggled with issues of racial equality and social justice. As one of the first Black city council members, Mills played a pivotal role in shaping the city's response to the Watts Riots, a pivotal moment in LA's history. His efforts to bring unity and cooperation to the city in the aftermath of the riots helped pave the way for future generations of leaders. The installation of paved alleys and streetlights in South Los Angeles during his tenure on the council also highlights the impact that local leadership can have on everyday life. As the city continues to grapple with issues of inequality and access, Mills' legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of effective and compassionate local leadership. His contributions will be felt for years to come in the communities he served.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Council member Billy Mills (forefront) is shown in City Hall council chambers during a commendation ceremony acknowledging the City Delivery Centennial circa 1963.(Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation / Los Angeles Public Library)Billy Gene Mill...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dañiel Andres Martinez at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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