Karen Bass
Karen Ruth Bass (born October 3, 1953) is an American politician and social worker serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 37th congressional district. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Early Life and Education[edit]
Karen Bass was born in Los Angeles, California. She attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences. She later received a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.
Career[edit]
Social Work[edit]
Before entering politics, Bass worked as a social worker and was involved in community organizing. She founded the Community Coalition, an organization focused on addressing social and economic issues in South Los Angeles.
Political Career[edit]
Bass was elected to the California State Assembly in 2004. She served as the Speaker of the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2010, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the position.
In 2010, Bass was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing California's 37th congressional district. She has been re-elected multiple times and has served on various committees, including the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Judiciary Committee.
Political Positions[edit]
Bass is known for her work on healthcare reform, criminal justice reform, and foreign policy. She has been an advocate for affordable housing, education, and social justice.
Personal Life[edit]
Karen Bass is a resident of Los Angeles. She has one daughter, Emilia Bass-Lechuga, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2006.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
External Links[edit]
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Mayor Karen Bass official portrait
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Karen Bass and Diane Watson in 2010
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Karen Bass speaking in support of Black Dreamers
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Martin Luther King Jr. station dedication
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Karen Bass, 2021
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- 1953 births
- Living people
- Members of the United States House of Representatives from California
- California Democrats
- African-American women in politics
- Women state legislators in California
- Speakers of the California State Assembly
- University of Southern California alumni
- California State University, Dominguez Hills alumni