Rosa Franklin facts for kids

Rosa Lee Franklin, born on April 4, 1927, is an American politician and nurse. Her birth name was Rosa Lee Gourdine. She was a member of the Washington State Senate from 1993 to 2011. She represented the 29th District and also held the important role of President Pro Tempore for the Senate. This means she helped lead the Senate meetings.

Early Life and Education

Rosa Lee Gourdine was born on April 4, 1927. She was the fifth child of Henrietta Bryant and James Edwin Gourdine. She was born in a house her father built in Cordesville, South Carolina. This area is near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Rosa was the youngest of 12 children. Her aunt and uncle raised her in Georgetown, South Carolina.

After high school, Franklin studied nursing. She attended the Good Samaritan-Waverly Hospital School of Nursing in Columbia, South Carolina. She then worked as a nurse in a state hospital in New Jersey. She also worked at the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital in New York City. Later, she moved to Germany with her husband, James Franklin. He was in the military. They eventually moved to Tacoma, Washington.

In Tacoma, Franklin continued her education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Puget Sound. Her studies focused on Biology and English. She then earned a Master of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University. This degree was in social sciences and human relations. She also has a special certificate in women's health care. The University of Washington awarded her an honorary doctorate later.

Political Career

Before becoming a politician, Rosa Franklin worked as a registered nurse. She cared for many people.

In 1972, Franklin decided to run for office. She sought a seat on the Tacoma City Council. She did not win that election. However, she stayed active in local politics. She worked as a Precinct Committee Officer for the Democratic Party. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters. Franklin was chosen as a delegate for Washington state. She attended the Democratic National Convention in 1976, 1988, and 2008.

Franklin was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1990. She represented the 29th District. She won re-election in November 1992. In January 1993, the state senator for her district passed away. Franklin was then chosen to take his place. She served in the Washington State Senate until 2011.

Personal Life

Rosa Franklin and her husband, James, have been married for over sixty years. They have three children. They are also proud grandparents to five grandchildren.

See also

• Washington State Legislature