NOBEL proudly commends Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, California as a legislative trailblazer. Her decades-long commitment to the community began at an early age and has spanned local, state, and congressional impact.

An unwavering passion. 

The flame for servant-leadership was ignited during her childhood while watching the civil rights movement on television. She harnessed the power of her voice and channeled it into community activism and civic engagement. As a middle school student, she volunteered for the 1968 Robert F. Kennedy for President campaign. Her eagerness and advocacy multiplied throughout her collegiate and young adulthood. She served as an organizer for the Venceremos Brigade, a group that organized trips for Americans to Cuba in support of Cuba. 

Legislative impact. 

Having spent decades advocating for the rights, agency, and healthcare of others, she braced for a new challenge. In 2004, she was elected to the California House of Representatives to the 47th District. At the time of her election, she was the only Black woman serving in the state legislature. She was re-elected twice in 2006 and 2008. 

While at the state legislature, she was appointed as the majority whip for the 2005-2006 legislative session; majority floor leader for the 2007-2008 legislative session; and elected as speaker of the house in 2008. While serving as vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, she championed the first ever “State of Black California” report.

In 2010, Representative Bass was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She served the people of the 37th District for five terms. 

Mayor Bass achieved another historic milestone when she was elected by Angelenos to lead the city. The 2022 win made her the first woman and second Black person to serve as the city’s mayor.

Resources:

Karen Bass headshot; mayoral bio;