[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 199 (Monday, December 4, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE TRAILBLAZING CONGRESSWOMAN DIANE WATSON IN CELEBRATION 
                          OF HER 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SYDNEY KAMLAGER-DOVE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 4, 2023

  Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate former 
Ambassador and Congresswoman Diane Watson's 90th birthday. 
Congresswoman Watson paved the way for the many Black female 
legislators, myself included, who would come after her. She is a true 
trailblazer, becoming the first Black female member of the Los Angeles 
Unified School District Board and the first Black female California 
State Senator. Today we recognize her remarkable contributions to Los 
Angeles, the State of California, and the United States.
  Born in Los Angeles, CA, Congresswoman Watson attended local Los 
Angeles public schools before earning her Bachelor's degree in 
Education from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), her 
Master's degree in School Psychology from California State University 
at Los Angeles (Cal State LA), and her PhD in Educational 
Administration from Claremont Graduate College.
  Congresswoman Watson began her life of public service as an 
elementary school teacher and worked diligently up the ranks to become 
an assistant principal and a school psychologist, touching the lives of 
countless students. She also served as a Health Education Specialist 
for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), at UCLA, and at Cal 
State LA. In 1975, distinguished members of the Los Angeles community 
encouraged her to seek election to the LAUSD School Board. She won her 
election, and in this role, she worked to expand school integration and 
to raise the rigor of academic standards for all students.
  In 1978, Congresswoman Watson became the first Black woman elected to 
the California State Senate, where she served on the Senate Judiciary 
Committee and as Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee from 
1981 through 1998. At the state level, she championed legislation for 
nutrition assistance programs, breast cancer research, and access to 
health care.
  In 1999, President Clinton appointed Congresswoman Watson as the 
Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, where she helped stop 
illegal toxic waste from being dumped into surrounding waters. After 
her election to the House of Representatives in 2001, she served 
California's 33rd District faithfully for a decade, representing areas 
of Los Angeles that are now part of the 37th District.
  Congresswoman Watson became a vocal leader on issues related to 
racism and xenophobia, supporting reparations for descendants of 
enslaved Americans, educational system reform, and a comprehensive 
overhaul of the nation's criminal justice system. She also called out 
the rise of Islamophobia following the 9/11 attacks. Her tenure as a 
legislator demonstrated a dedication to creating legislation and 
initiatives for the betterment of all.
  Throughout her career, Congresswoman Watson was a trailblazer, 
building a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and strength for others to 
emulate in their own public service careers.
  I am honored to commemorate her impact on communities throughout 
California and the United States. I hope you will join me in wishing 
Congresswoman Diane Watson a very happy birthday.

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