Chicana trailblazer Gloria Molina passes away at 74.

Chicana trailblazer Gloria Molina, a pioneering politician who broke barriers as the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles City Council and the first woman elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, passed away on May 19th, 2021 at the age of 74. Her death was confirmed by her daughter Martha Molina-Aviles.

Molina was a trailblazer for women and people of color in politics, serving on the LA City Council for 12 years before being elected to the LA County Board of Supervisors, where she served for 14 years. During her tenure, Molina fought for greater representation and resources for underserved communities, including Latino neighborhoods and the homeless population. She also championed environmental causes, such as expanding public transit and protecting local beaches and parks.

Molina's impact on Los Angeles politics was significant and long-lasting, inspiring a new generation of Latina and Latino politicians to seek public office. In 1994, she made history again by becoming the first Latina to run for Lieutenant Governor of California.

Molina's legacy will live on through her many accomplishments and the many lives she touched through her advocacy and leadership. Her passing is a reminder of the importance of diverse representation in politics and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for all.