Date of Birth: October 3, 1953
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
Karen Bass is an American politician serving as the 43rd mayor of Los Angeles. She was born on October 3, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. Before her tenure as mayor, Bass represented California’s 37th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2022. She is a member of the Democratic Party and has been involved in politics for several decades, focusing on healthcare, economic justice, and civil rights. Bass grew up in the Venice and Fairfax neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Her father was a mail carrier, and her mother was a homemaker. She attended San Diego State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences. She later went to the University of Southern California, obtaining a master’s degree in social work. Bass began her career as a physician assistant and a clinical instructor at the USC Keck School of Medicine. During the early 1990s, she founded the Community Coalition, a grassroots organization focused on addressing the root causes of addiction, crime, and violence in South Los Angeles. Her work with the coalition earned her national recognition and provided a platform for her entry into politics. In 2004, Bass was elected to the California State Assembly, where she served until 2010. She made history in 2008 by becoming the first African American woman to serve as Speaker of the California State Assembly. Her legislative accomplishments include measures to foster economic development, improve public education, and reform the state’s foster care system. In Congress, Bass continued to be a champion for social justice, chairing the Congressional Black Caucus from 2019 to 2021. She was considered as a potential running mate for Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election, highlighting her influence and stature within the Democratic Party.
5 Interesting Facts about Karen Bass
1. Karen Bass was the first African American woman to serve as Speaker of the California State Assembly.
2. She founded the Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization that addresses social and economic issues in South Los Angeles.
3. Bass was a physician assistant and clinical instructor before entering politics.
4. She was considered as a potential vice-presidential candidate for Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
5. Bass has been a strong advocate for police reform and criminal justice reform throughout her career.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Karen Bass
1. “I took an oath to protect my constituents and to fight for justice. That is my North Star.”
2. “Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.”
3. “Our diversity is our strength, and we should harness it to create a more inclusive and equitable society.”
4. “Economic justice is essential for social justice.”
5. “We must address the root causes of violence and addiction, not just their symptoms.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As of 2023, Karen Bass’s highest estimated net worth is approximately $3 million.
Children
Karen Bass had one daughter, Emilia Bass-Lechuga, who tragically died in a car accident in 2006 along with her husband, Michael Wright.
Relevant Links
1. [Official Mayor of Los Angeles Website](https://www.lamayor.org/
2. [U.S. House of Representatives Biography](https://bass.house.gov/about/full-biography
3. [Community Coalition](https://cocosouthla.org/
4. [Karen Bass on Twitter](https://twitter.com/RepKarenBass
5. [Karen Bass on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Bass
