Larry Aubry

Larry Aubry’s family has deep roots in New Orleans, living and working in the city as tradespeople and skilled workers since the turn of the nineteenth century. His upbringing was largely shaped by the vibrant culture in New Orleans, his supportive community, as well as the realities of racial segregation in both New Orleans and Los Angeles. In 1942, after his father’s death, Larry and his mother moved to Los Angeles, seeking better employment opportunities during World War II. The racial divisions in Los Angeles were stark, with Black residents largely confined to the East of Main Street, an area where the Black community lived in close-knit neighborhoods that spanned all walks of life.
After attending Los Angeles City College and Xavier University of New Orleans, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1952. Following his service, Larry went on to earn a degree in psychology from UCLA in 1959 and later pursued graduate work in psychology and public administration at USC. His professional career began in the juvenile justice system, where he worked for about eight years in the probation department. From there, Larry transitioned to the field of human relations, focusing on race relations as a consultant. Larry is also involved in several groups including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Community Call to Action and Accountability, which was formed in response to the police shooting of a 13-year-old boy in Los Angeles. The organization focuses on reducing Black-on-Black violence and addressing police abuse. Larry’s work addresses the challenges faced by poor communities in urban areas, where the legacy of slavery and systemic racism continue to affect generations of Black Americans. Larry remains optimistic that through collective effort and individual empowerment, positive change is possible.