First Black Female Top Legislator Sworn In

By: Samantha Young, Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - (AP) California on Tuesday installed the nation's first black female legislative leader, swearing in Los Angeles Democrat Karen Bass as speaker of the state Assembly.

Bass said at the ceremony that she feels the weight of history on her shoulders.

"If we could only harness the power of our common humanity, I don't think there's anything we couldn't do for the people of this state," she said.

ENTIRE ARTICLE....

L.A. LAWMAKER MAKES BLACK HISTORY

The California Assembly chose as its next speaker Thursday, which means that for the first time in 34 years neither Democratic legislative leader will be from the Bay Area.


Los Angeles lawmaker Karen Bass on Thursday became the first African-American woman to be elected speaker of the California Assembly, considered by many to be the second-most-powerful political position in the state.


She's also the second woman, though Republican Doris Allen held the position for only four months in 1995.


Bass, a Democrat, expressed joy over the new gig at a news conference, but downplayed the historic moment after having outlasted nine competitors.


"I'm still trying to come to grips that this has happened," Bass said. "I'm going to be thankful to be the next speaker, regardless of my race, regardless of my gender."