Mayor Eduardo Martinez
City of Richmond
February 03, 2026
Doria Robinson
Vice Mayor
City of Richmond
HONORING DORIS MASON
IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, during Black History Month, the City of Richmond honors longstanding Black leaders whose decades of service through neighborhood councils and community institutions have strengthened civic participation, uplifted resident voices, and advanced equity across Richmond neighborhoods, including Doris Mason, who has served the Iron Triangle community for over 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Doris Mason, born in Mansfield, Louisiana, the youngest of ten children, has devoted her life to faith, education, and community service, making a lasting impact on the City of Richmond and the broader region; and
WHEREAS, Doris Mason was baptized at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church and raised in a rich and diverse faith tradition, worshiping across multiple Protestant denominations, and pursued formal theological education at C.H. Mason Bible Seminary under the Church of God in Christ; and
WHEREAS, a gifted vocalist and spiritual leader, Doris Mason has contributed her musical talents to congregations throughout her life and currently serves at Seventh Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland as President of the Mission, Minister of the Mother’s Board, and Spiritual Leader of the Choir; and
WHEREAS, Doris Mason dedicated her professional career to special education, serving students and families through the Alameda County Office of Education and the West Contra Costa Unified School District, advocating for dignity, access, and opportunity for students with special needs; and
WHEREAS, known throughout Richmond as “Mother Mason,” Doris Mason is respected for her wisdom, compassion, and leadership, and for raising generations of children and families, including her daughter Nicole and her two grandsons; and
WHEREAS, Doris Mason is a longtime community activist, serving as President of the Barrett Avenue Neighborhood Association and Treasurer of the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council, and contributes to community well-being through her work with Pogo Park and the Resiliency Emergency Response Center;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Mayor Eduardo Martinez, and the Richmond City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as a time to honor and recognize Doris Mason for her lifelong service, faith leadership, and dedication to neighborhood advocacy, and do commend her for her contributions during Black History Month.
Cesar Zepeda
District 2 Councilmember
City of Richmond