Called to public service…
Rosa Franklin, born in 1927, became the first black woman elected to the Washington State Senate serving the 29th Legislative District. Rosa studied nursing, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and English from University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in social sciences and human relations from Pacific Lutheran University. Ms. Franklin worked at the Madigan Army Hospital, the Alice Hamilton Women’s Clinic, Hilltop Children’s Clinic, and Upjohn Health Care Services. An active member of the Democratic Party she served as the Precinct Committee Officer and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1976, 1988, and 2008. Rosa Franklin was elected to the State Legislature in 1990 and 1992. Ms. Franklin served four terms as the State Senator. Rosa Franklin sponsored the Washington Housing Policy Act establishing affordable housing and anti-discrimination and a bill allowing public financing for election campaigns. Her lifetime of service included the President Pro Tempore, the Majority Whip, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington State Democratic Party and induction into the Washington State Nurses’ Association Hall of Fame. Rosa Franklin encourages us to serve the communities we love.