Shirley Weber facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shirley Weber
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 31st Secretary of State of California | |
| Assumed office January 29, 2021 |
|
| Governor | Gavin Newsom |
| Preceded by | Alex Padilla |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 79th district |
|
| In office December 3, 2012 – January 28, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Ben Hueso (redistricted) |
| Succeeded by | Akilah Weber |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Shirley Nash
September 20, 1948 Hope, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Daniel Weber
(m. 1973; died 2002) |
| Children | 2, including Akilah |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles (BA, MA, PhD) |
Shirley Weber (born September 20, 1948) is an important American politician and educator. She is currently the Secretary of State of California. This means she helps manage elections and keeps important records for the state of California. Before this, she was a member of the California State Assembly. This is a group of people who make laws for California. She represented the 79th Assembly District, which includes parts of San Diego and other nearby cities.
Shirley Weber was the first African American person to be elected to the California State Legislature from the southern part of the state. She is also the first African American to serve as California's Secretary of State.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Shirley Weber was born in Hope, Arkansas. Her family later moved to Los Angeles, California, where she grew up. Her father was a farmer who had to leave school early. However, he always encouraged Shirley and her seven brothers and sisters to focus on their education.
When she was only three years old, her family had to leave their farm. This happened after her father had a disagreement with another farmer and faced danger. The family then moved to a public housing area in South Los Angeles. Shirley Weber went on to earn three degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She received a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a PhD in communication.
Her Career Journey
As a Professor and Educator
Shirley Weber became a professor of Africana studies at San Diego State University. She helped start this department in 1972 and later became its leader. She taught there for 40 years, sharing her knowledge with many students. She also led the National Council for Black Studies from 2002 to 2006.
Early Public Service
Before joining the State Assembly, Shirley Weber served on the San Diego Board of Education. This board helps make decisions about schools in the city. She was a member from 1988 to 1996 and later became its president. She also led the San Diego Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, which worked to ensure fairness for everyone.
Serving in the California State Assembly
In 2011, Shirley Weber was asked to run for a seat in the California State Assembly. In November 2012, she won the election. As a member of the Assembly, she helped create new laws and policies for California.
She was part of the Assembly's Committee on Higher Education. This committee focuses on colleges and universities. She also worked to support the idea of a new university campus in Chula Vista. In 2020, Shirley Weber wrote a bill called Assembly Bill 3121. This bill created a special group called the California Reparations Task Force. This group was formed to study the history of slavery in California and how to make things right for those affected. The task force began its work in 2021.
Becoming Secretary of State
On December 22, 2020, California's Governor Gavin Newsom chose Shirley Weber to be the new Secretary of State of California. She took over from Alex Padilla, who had been appointed to the United States Senate. Shirley Weber officially became the Secretary of State on January 29, 2021, after the state senate agreed to her appointment.
As Secretary of State, Shirley Weber has a very important job. She is in charge of California's elections, making sure they are fair and run smoothly. For example, she played a key role in managing the special election in 2021 that aimed to remove Governor Newsom from office. She was elected to a full term as Secretary of State in the 2022 election.
Her Family Life
Shirley Weber's husband, Judge Daniel Weber, passed away in 2002. She has two children and three grandchildren. Her daughter, Akilah Weber, is a doctor. Akilah also served on the La Mesa City Council and later followed in her mother's footsteps. On April 19, 2021, Akilah was sworn in by her mother to take her place in the California State Assembly. Akilah was later elected to the California State Senate in 2024.
