Rep. Bass Releases Statement on the Passing of Rita Walters

"Rita Walters was a close friend of my family and a mentor who encouraged my involvement in public service every step of the way starting with nominating me to serve as a student representative to a Board of Education Task Force when I was in middle school.

"From her service as the only Black member of a school board whose majority opposed forced integration to her service as the first Black woman elected to the L.A. City Council, her lifelong commitment to fighting for a better Los Angeles blazed the trail for so many of us who grew up in LAUSD schools.

"Rita you will be missed. Your spirit fights on in all of us."