By Brian W. Carter for The LA Sentinel
Originally published Sept. 30, 2026
Recently, Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet Elementary School celebrated 100 years. Principal Dr. Tasha Bunn-Bell was asked what this celebration means to her.
“We are all responsible for everyone,” said Bunn-Bell, “each one, teach one, reach back always.
“We will always be successful.”
Staff, faculty and students held a Centennial Jubilee Celebration in their auditorium with a notable guests list of honorees that included Lorraine Bradley, daughter of Tom Bradley, Dr. Bunn-Bell and a host of LAUSD officials, community partners, former staff, alumni and a special dedication to the memory of former principal, Dr. Genevieve Shepherd.
“It is just an incredible opportunity to celebrate this milestone for this incredible institution here that we now call Tom Bradley,” said Sherlett Hendy Newbill, LAUSD District 1 board member.
She continued, “I have to mention Dr. Shepherd, we know her legacy in the walls of this school continues and we know that the work that she put forth for all the students that came through, the families, the communities, it is definitely a testament to her love and passion for the work of this community.
“It is a great honor to be able to serve in this community, to serve the school, I want to say thank you to the principal, who has done amazing job just building bridges.”
Dr. Bunn-Bell and Bradley Elementary received recognition from the LAUSD, the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA City Council Member, District 10, Heather Hutt.
“To our former and current LAUSD electeds, dedicated staff members and especially our amazing students, thank you for 100 years,” said Hutt. “The school served as a beacon of global awareness, diversity and achievement and we sure saw that when the children were singing, it was beautiful, and so, thank you for that.”
Bradley students gave multiple performances including singing “We are the World,” “You Will Know,” and “The Greatest Love” ending their performances with reciting the school creed and centennial declaration.
“After 100 years, this school is still here and not only is it still here, this school is thriving,” said LAUSD South Region Superintendent Dr. Robert Whitman.
He continued, “You know over 100 years, this school has been a big bastion within the community — given all of the challenges that exist in South Los Angeles, it produced thousands of productive citizens within our community, individuals who’ve gone on to be teachers, doctors, lawyers, different scholars within the community and are still serving within our community and live in this area and sending their own children here.
“When we think about where we are today, particularly at this school, it’s continuing that legacy of excellence.”
Bradley spoke to the Sentinel about what this centennial celebration means for her and about how the school represents her father’s legacy.
“I attended here in 1950 with my sister,” said Bradley. “My mom and dad wanted us to have a better opportunity, that’s why we came and that’s why we integrated the neighborhood so, we could do that and obviously he succeeded.”
Bradley continued, “It sets a great example for the children and that’s what it’s all about, we have to set the example so, they understand what’s available to them so, they can reach for the stars.”
At the end of the celebration, Bradley, along with a few students, planted an olive tree on campus. A symbol of laying roots today for another 100 years.