L.A. Mayor Bass Makes History as the First Black Woman to Accept the Olympic Flag at the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made history by becoming the first Black woman to receive the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games on Sunday.
As part of this landmark handover, Mayor Bass accepted the flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the first female mayor of Paris.
Joining her was Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, further adding to the moment’s significance.
“It was an immense honor to participate in this moment of history, and it was such a privilege to stand with Simone Biles – someone who has made our entire nation proud,” said Mayor Bass in a press release statement.
The Mayor shared that it was her “hope that when girls around the world watched the first woman Mayor of Paris officially hand off the flag to the first woman Mayor of Los Angeles, they were inspired. Together, we sent the message to girls all around the world that they can do anything — they can run for gold, and they can run for office. I want to recognize the City of Paris and Mayor Hidalgo for being such extraordinary hosts.”
She continued, “Tonight, we exchanged more than just the flag, we sent a message all across the world. Now, it’s time for Los Angeles to show the world just how special our city is and to host the most impactful Olympic and Paralympic Games yet that focus on helping local small businesses, creating local jobs, and creating lasting environmental and transportation improvements throughout Los Angeles that generate tangible benefits to Angelenos for generations to come.”
Mayor Bass returned to Los Angeles on Monday, August 12, bringing the Olympic flag back to L.A., which will host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
