The unveiling of a mural, the opening of an art exhibit and the premiere of a tribute theater are all on the agenda in Boyle Heights on Thursday as the city observes Gloria Molina Day – honoring the late Los Angeles County Councilwoman, City Councilwoman and Assemblywoman who was the first Latina to serve on all those boards.
Thursday night’s events mark the 54th anniversary of the historic anti-Vietnam War “Chicano Moratorium” march in East Los Angeles, which attracted some 30,000 protesters and laid the foundation for Molina’s groundbreaking career in public service.
Molina died of cancer on May 14, 2023, at the age of 74. She left behind a long line of “firsts” – and an even longer line of Latino leaders inspired by her example.
Thursday’s events occurred one day after the City Council officially declared August 29 as “Gloria Molina Day.”
Council members Kevin de León and Monica Rodriguez led the presentation Wednesday at City Hall, which also featured several members of the Molina family.
Council members originally introduced a resolution on August 8 to observe the day in Molina’s honor.
“We come together on the eve of a day when we will honor the memory and legacy of a true trailblazer here in Los Angeles – and that is none other than our own Gloria Molina,” de León said.
“This date is of profound significance because it marks the anniversary of the Chicano Moratorium – the pivotal moment that began Gloria’s journey as an activist, dedicated public servant and national figure in the fight for equality and justice,” he added.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, said Molina’s death was a “tragic loss for our city.” She described Molina as a “trailblazer” who gave people in many communities the opportunity to be seen and recognized.
“Through her example and leadership, other Latinas later had the opportunity to serve in legislative bodies, not just in Los Angeles, not just in California, but across the country,” Rodriguez said.
On Thursday at 5:15 p.m., Mayor Karen Bass will join de León, Rodriguez and numerous other dignitaries in dedicating a mural honoring Molina, commissioned by artist Margaret Garcia.
Attendees and speakers at the inauguration ceremony include Democratic Representative Maxine Waters of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Councilwoman Hilda Solis, and labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta.
In addition, a reception and viewing of a new art exhibition entitled “Gloria Molina: Madrina of the Eastside” will be held at 6:45 p.m. at the Casa 0101 Theater.
Following the exhibition, guests will attend the premiere of “A Woman Called Gloria” by playwright Josefina López at the Gloria Molina Auditorium at 8 p.m.
Molina, who grew up in Pico Rivera, was active in the early days of the Chicano Movement and was committed to women’s health issues – a commitment she continued during her time in elected office. She also founded a nurse mentoring program at local community colleges to address the shortage of nurses at the time.
She won her first elected office in 1982, capturing the 56th District seat and eventually leading a fight to oppose a proposed prison in East LA.
Molina won the First District City Council seat in 1987 and was elected to the Board of Supervisors from the district’s First District in 1991. She served as a Supervisor until 2014 and became known as an astute fiscal watchdog before leaving office. Her district included Koreatown, Pico-Union, East Los Angeles and parts of the San Gabriel Valley.
Molina was also the first woman elected to the board of directors – once known as the “Five Little Kings” – although Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who was appointed to fill a vacancy, was the first woman to serve on the board.
Before her election, Molina worked as Deputy Presidential Staff in the White House under Jimmy Carter.
In recognition of Molina’s leadership, in 2023 the Board of Directors renamed Grand Park – a project Molina also spearheaded – in her honor. It is now called Gloria Molina Grand Park.
