Rosa Franklin facts for kids

Rosa Lee Franklin, born on April 4, 1927, is an American politician and a nurse. She served as a member of the Washington State Senate from 1993 to 2011. During her time in the Senate, she represented the 29th District. She also held an important leadership role as the President Pro Tempore for the Senate.

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. Her birthplace was Cordesville, a small community in Berkeley County, South Carolina. This area is near Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

Rosa was the youngest of 12 children. She was raised by her aunt and uncle in Georgetown, South Carolina. After finishing high school, she decided to study nursing. She attended the Good Samaritan-Waverly Hospital School of Nursing in Columbia, South Carolina.

Nursing Career and Moving West

After her nursing studies, Rosa worked at a state hospital in New Jersey. She also worked at the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital and Medical Center in New York City. Later, she moved to Germany with her husband, James Franklin. He was a member of the military. Eventually, they settled down in Tacoma, Washington.

Higher Education and Specialization

Once in Tacoma, Rosa continued her education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and English from the University of Puget Sound. She then went on to get a Master of Arts degree. This degree was in social sciences and human relations from Pacific Lutheran University in Lakewood, Washington.

Rosa also earned a Women's Health Care Specialist Certificate. This was from the University of Washington Gynecorp Training Program. Later in her life, the University of Puget Sound honored her with a special doctorate degree.

Political Career

Before becoming an elected official, Rosa Franklin worked as a registered nurse. Her career in politics began with local involvement.

Starting in Politics

In 1972, Rosa ran for a seat on the Tacoma City Council. Even though she didn't win, she stayed active in local politics. She became a Precinct Committee Officer for the Democratic Party. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters.

Rosa was chosen to be a delegate for Washington at the Democratic National Convention multiple times. She attended these important meetings in 1976, 1988, and 2008.

Serving in the Legislature

In 1990, Rosa Franklin was elected to the Washington House of Representatives. She represented the 29th District. She won re-election for this position in November 1992.

In January 1993, the state senator from the 29th district passed away. Rosa Franklin was then chosen to take his place. This meant she moved from the House of Representatives to the Washington State Senate. She served in the Senate until 2011.

Personal Life

Rosa Franklin and her husband, James, have been married for many years. They have three children and five grandchildren.

See also

• Washington State Legislature

References