Pioneering L.A. politician and activist Gloria Molina dies after battle with cancer
11 breaking news pioneering politician Gloria Molina has died tonight. Tributes pouring into the woman who left a huge mark on the city she loved. Hello everybody, welcome to the news at 11. I'm Rick Chambers and I'm Karine Winter. Molina was known as a champion for women and Latinos. She served 24 years on the LA County Board of Supervisors and broke many barriers during her decades long career. And Molina had been battling cancer for the last three years, but tonight we want to take a look back at her life and the legacy she leaves behind.
She was both revered and feared. Here are some of the things that some of these deputies have done. It is shameful. Gloria Molina is considered by many to be one of the most impactful leaders Los Angeles has ever seen. Molina had a lifetime of firsts. She was the first Latina to be elected to the California State Legislature, the first Latina to serve as an LA City Council member, and most notably the first Latina elected to the County Board of Supervisors. She kept that position for 23 years.
Molina grew up in Pico Rivera and attended Cal State LA. In college she got involved in the Chicano movement launching her political career. She believed in lifting economic barriers and fighting for the underrepresented in her community, which was largely made up of Mexican Americans. Many of the parks and bike trails in East LA were a result of Molina's determination. She also fought for cultural centers, medical facilities, and help for refugees living in LA. She focused especially on women's rights starting in the 70s, even when there wasn't a spotlight on the issue. In 1996 she was named one of the Democratic Party's 10 rising stars by Time Magazine.
She also served as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. In 2014 Molina retired from public service but kept active through various educational and community programs. She'll be remembered as a trailblazer and someone who put others first. She always wanted to bring other people up with her and spread, you know, any leadership that she could. Her proudest achievement is seeing all these women that are now in politics and that maybe she had a little bit to do with that. And take a look at this, Gloria's family released a statement tonight. It says in part, Gloria will be remembered in our heart.
In our heart says our loving mom and grandmother, protective, oldest sister, wise Tia, and loyal friend. We will miss watching Gloria the artist, seeing her image and create beautiful quilts that tell the story of our Mexican roots. We miss Gloria and take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and in the loving embrace of our parents. A great smile too. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn also is showing a statement saying, it takes courage to be the first woman in the room and Gloria was the first woman and the first Latina in nearly every room she was in. She didn't just make space for herself, she opened the door to the rest of us. Women in politics in LA County owe a debt of gratitude to Gloria Molina and LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath also honoring Molina tonight.
She released a statement saying she broke countless glass ceilings and paved the way for generations of women leaders in LA County. I'll always be grateful for the ways she made my opportunity to serve possible and how she fought for what's right, no matter what.
video, news, 5live