Trailblazing Chicana Politician, Gloria Molina, Leaves a Lasting Legacy in California

_{Image source: Dovarganes/Associated Press}

In a ground breaking career marked by defying political norms, Gloria Molina, a trailblazing Chicana politician, passed away on May 14 at her Los Angeles home in the Mount Washington neighborhood. She was 74. Gloria Molina was known for her fierce advocacy for the communities she represented at the city, county, and state levels in California, often challenging entrenched political structures.

Despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer in March, Gloria Molina continued to receive accolades from colleagues, constituents, and the California news media. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, the Los Angeles Metro’s board of directors voted to name a train station after her, Casa 0101 dedicated its main stage theater as the Gloria Molina Auditorium, and Grand Park, which she helped establish in 2012, was renamed Gloria Molina Grand Park.

Gloria Molina’s legacy is that of one of the leading Latina politicians in the United States, making significant strides during a time when few Latinas held important positions. She broke barriers in 1982 when she became the first Latina elected to the California Assembly, overcoming opposition from the political establishment. In 1987, she shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first Latina council member on the Los Angeles City Council.

Her political journey reached a pinnacle in 1991 when Gloria Molina became the first woman elected to the influential Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Her victory marked a historic moment, inspiring the hope that gender and ethnicity would no longer be seen as mere footnotes in political history.

Gloria Molina’s tenacity and dedication to her community earned her a reputation as a formidable force. Throughout her career, she fought for issues such as park access, green spaces, and cultural engagement, tirelessly working to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Los Angeles.

Re-reported from the story originally published in https://www.nytimes.com/