She lived in her home in the Pacific Palisades for 70 years, a pioneer, a community pillar and a beacon of resilience.
And when the ferocious Palisades fire burned down her home, taking with it her tennis trophies and art from her world travels, 97-year-old Louvenia Jenkins said the loss didn’t define her.
“I never thought I would be in this position. But like a Phoenix, I shall rise,” said Jenkins, after receiving a proclamation on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from Third District L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents the Pacific Palisades.
Jenkins was one of the first Black residents in the Palisades, Horvath said. She was an educator and also an administrator with the LAUSD, according to news reports.
“She has dedicated her life to teaching and mentoring young people,” Horvath said before awarding the proclamation at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
Jenkins started the Richard L. Sykes Memorial Scholarship, named after her uncle, which has helped many young people go to college, Horvath explained. Starting in the 2019-2020 academic year, the scholarship supported 25 first-year African-American students in the Los Angeles area, according to her GoFundMe page.
As of Tuesday, she had received 752 donations and raised more than $55,000.
Recently, students from Santa Monica Community College made a documentary about her life, according to the GoFundMe page.
“We celebrate the love, strength and community that defines her life,” Horvath said. “You have been there for so many Angelenos in their time of need. Now, Los Angeles County is honored to be of service to you.”
Jenkins said she lost all the certificates from various agencies recognizing her philanthropic work. Horvath said she would work to get those replaced.
The Palisades fire took the lives of 12 people and destroyed 6,835 structures.
Jenkins, who walked with a cane to stand next to Horvath and receive the framed proclamation, stood tall, and posed for photos with the supervisor.
“It is hard to find the words to express my appreciation,” Jenkins said.