Born: 1938 (St. Louis, Missouri)
Biography:
Maxine Waters is an American politician who has made significant contributions to public service. Born in 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri, Waters faced numerous challenges in her early life. She was the fifth of 13 children and was raised by her single mother, Velma Lee, after her father left the family when she was just two years old.
Despite these early hardships, Waters demonstrated determination and resilience. She graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis before relocating with her family to Los Angeles in 1961. To support herself and her family, she worked in a garment factory and as a telephone operator. In 1966, she began working as an assistant teacher with the Head Start program in Watts.
Waters’ commitment to education and social justice led her to pursue higher education. She enrolled at Los Angeles State College (now California State University, Los Angeles) and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1971. This educational background would later lay the foundation for her successful political career.
Beginning in 1973, Waters worked as the chief deputy to City Councilman David S. Cunningham, Jr. Her hard work and dedication to her community caught the attention of her constituents, leading her to be elected to the California State Assembly in 1976. During her time in the Assembly, Waters actively advocated for divestment of state pension funds from businesses operating in apartheid-era South Africa. She also played a vital role in shaping legislation that aligned with the divestment campaign’s Sullivan Principles.
Waters’ effective leadership skills and commitment to social change propelled her to become the Democratic Caucus Chair for the Assembly. Her dedication to her constituents and progressive values led her to seek national office. In 1990, Waters was elected to the United States House of Representatives for California’s 29th congressional district, winning over 79% of the vote.
Throughout her tenure in the House of Representatives, Waters has consistently been reelected, representing various districts in Los Angeles. She has earned the trust and support of her constituents, consistently winning with at least 70% of the vote. Waters has represented communities in south-central Los Angeles, as well as the coastal cities of Westchester and Playa Del Rey, and the cities of Torrance, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, and Lawndale.
Waters has played a significant role in shaping legislation and advocating for social justice. Her career has been marked by her unwavering support for her constituents and her fearless pursuit of justice. Notably, Waters gained public attention in 1994 when she repeatedly interrupted a speech by Representative Peter King, leading to her suspension from the House for the rest of the day. Her actions demonstrated her commitment to speaking up for what she believes in and fighting for her constituents.
Awards:
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