Gloria Molina, a trailblazer who paved the way for Latinas in local politics, passed away on Sunday after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. She left an indelible mark on the political landscape, breaking barriers as the first Latina to serve on the Los Angeles City Council, the Board of Supervisors, and in the California State Assembly.
A Legacy of Groundbreaking Achievements
Gloria Molina, aged 74, breathed her last at her Mt. Washington home, surrounded by her family. Her influence on the city was profound, with her activism and dedication to ensuring the Latino community’s voice was heard, particularly in the 1st district neighborhoods she represented on the city council. She was a symbol of empowerment and representation, using her position to advocate for the needs of her constituents.
In March 2023, Molina publicly disclosed her battle with terminal cancer, acknowledging the aggressive treatment she had been undergoing. Her announcement was met with an outpouring of support from the community she had served for decades.
Honoring Gloria Molina
Molina’s impact was so significant that efforts to honor her began while she was still with us. Supervisor Hilda Solis proposed renaming Grand Park outside Los Angeles City Hall to “Gloria Molina Grand Park” in recognition of her tireless work to transform urban spaces into vibrant green areas for the city’s residents. Additionally, the city council approved the renaming of the crosswalks surrounding City Hall as the “Gloria Molina Legacy Pathway.”
Tributes Pour In
Following her passing on Mother’s Day, heartfelt tributes poured in from across the city and the state:
- Supervisor Hilda Solis remembered Gloria Molina as a beacon of hope, a champion for Latinos, women, and the Eastside. Molina’s determination to serve the vulnerable and her transformation of concrete spaces into green havens left an indelible mark.
- Mayor of L.A. Karen Bass described Gloria Molina as a force for unapologetic good and transformational change in Los Angeles. She praised Molina’s pioneering environmental justice work, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy for public health.
- Supervisor Janice Hahn acknowledged Molina’s courage as the first woman and Latina in many rooms, emphasizing how Molina paved the way for others, particularly women in politics in Los Angeles County.
- Jaime Harrison, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, paid tribute to Gloria Molina’s trailblazing legacy, noting her significant achievements as a Latina leader in California.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his deep sadness at Gloria Molina’s passing, highlighting her decades of service and dedication to empowering others.
- L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian praised Gloria Molina’s transformative contributions to the city, recognizing her as a fearless champion who relentlessly fought for neglected neighborhoods.
- L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto remembered Gloria Molina as a feminist, intelligent political leader, and inspirational agent of change.
Gloria Molina’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and groundbreaking achievements will continue to shape the future of Los Angeles and inspire generations of leaders.
