From the Globe Political Desk

Change happened last week when the California Assembly elected Los Angeles Democrat Karen Bass as its 67th speaker, catapulting a Democratic woman to the post for the first time in the state’s history. Along with the California political first, Bass makes national history as the first African American woman to serve in this powerful state elected role in the country.

    Under Speaker Fabian Núñez, Bass has been a part of the leadership since her first term, when she was appointed majority whip. In her second term, she was elevated to the post of majority floor leader, making her the first woman to hold the post and the second African American to serve in the position.
    As vice chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, Bass was the driving force behind the “State of Black CA,” which highlighted the disparities between blacks and other ethnic and minority groups throughout the state. She is also the chair of the Select Committee on Foster Care. Bass was able to secure more than $82 million and the signing of eight new laws to help improve the state’s foster care system.
   - Before Bass began her political career, she founded and ran Community Coalition, a community- based social justice organization in South Los Angeles.
   “I’m excited to be a history maker,” said Bass. “It’s an honor that my accomplishments will inspire others to get involved in the process to make change a reality.

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