June 12, 2020

Rep. Mike Levin Honors Diversity Activist as his Constituent of the Month

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) announced Oceanside resident Danielle Black Lyons, co-founder of Textured Waves and activist in the surfing industry, is the Constituent of the Month. Lyons and Textured Waves, an online platform created for women of color in surfing, recently responded to the systematic racial injustice that led to the killing of George Floyd and others by helping organize a paddle out memorial in Encinitas. Her organizational efforts offered thousands of community members a meaningful way to pay respects and make their voices heard as we continue to advocate for solutions to this pressing problem.

See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Danielle Black Lyons in the Congressional Record:

“Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Danielle Black Lyons, co-founder of Textured Waves and diversity activist in the surfing industry, as the Constituent of the Month for June.

“At a time when our country is undergoing a nationwide uprising to address police brutality and systemic racism in America, Ms. Lyons brought the heart of the Textured Waves community, the love of her culture, and surfing together to help organize a memorial paddle out in which thousands of fellow surfers recognized the life of George Floyd and others who have been killed at the hands of police. This powerful traditional surfing demonstration paid tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement and gave hope to our community as it struggles to address these critically important issues.

“A surfer herself, Danielle was tired of seeing only one image of surfers that didn’t fit her own experience in the sport. Seeking to bridge the divide and show a more inclusive representation of women of color in the surfing community, Textured Waves was formed.

“The platform is an inclusive space for women of color surfers to come together for community, kinship, and camaraderie. It is a space that gives insights into diversifying the surf world with relevant resources, featured stories, imagery of women of color riding waves, and more.

I applaud Danielle’s spirit and activism, and look forward to seeing what else she will do to make a positive impact on our community, the surfing industry, and this important movement going forward.

“I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region and our country a stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. As our nation and community works toward long overdue racial change and healing, voices like Danielle’s must be lifted and echoed. I am honored to recognize Ms. Lyons as my Constituent of the Month, and I thank her for being a prominent actor in amplifying diversity in our surf culture and shining her light on this historic movement of change for America.”

Representative Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County Residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and make the country stronger. Levin’s Constituent of the Month for May was Dr. Matthew Martin, an Army veteran and local trauma surgeon who supported medical staff in NYC treat patients with Coronavirus. His April Constituent of the Month was Tej Patel and his team at Fluxergy, a local company developing rapid COVID-19 testing. His March Constituent of the Month was Esther Sterling, a Holocaust survivor living in Reata Glen Rancho Mission Viejo.

To nominate a resident of the 49th District to be the Constituent of the Month, fill out this nomination form.

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