Senator Rosa Franklin – who made history as the first African American woman to serve as a Washington State senator – joined the community for a celebration as a new park sign bearing her name was unveiled Thursday morning.
Rosa entered the political scene following a 42-year career as a nurse who cared for wounded veterans, disabled children, newborns, and women from all walks of life. She put her dedication for community health to work in politics beginning in 1990 when she served in the House of Representatives on behalf of Tacoma’s 29th District.
In January 1993 she was appointed to the Senate to fill the remainder of late Senator A.L. “Slim” Rasmussen’s term. She was not only the first African American woman she was only the fourth African American who served in the Senate up to that time. She went on to secure her legacy when she was elected to that position in November of 1993, serving nearing two decades before her retirement in 2012.
Senator Franklin was also the first African American to be selected for the post of Washington State Senate President Pro Tempore. The prestigious position is responsible for presiding over the chamber in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor and wielding the gavel to direct Senate proceedings. She was the first African American woman to hold that position in any of the 50 states.
The Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously to rename Tacoma’s Franklin Park as Senator Rosa Franklin Park in February 2021 in conjunction with the District’s Black History Month celebrations.
“Senator Franklin is without question an outstanding individual, who forged a path for herself through adversity and built connections to advance the causes of social justice, healthcare, and racial equity in Tacoma and throughout Washington State,“ Metro Parks Commissioner Aaron Pointer stated.
Commissioner Pointer was joined by Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and Tamika Nimura, a freelance writer and public historian who authored Senator Franklin’s first biography as speakers at the renaming celebration. Together the three shared the senator‘s life experiences and legacy with the community before joining her to unveil the signage bearing the park’s new name – Senator Rosa Franklin Park.
Senator Rosa Franklin Park is located at 1201 S Puget Sound Avenue in Central Tacoma. It features play and spraygrounds, a baseball field, community garden, natural areas and walking trails. The park is also one of Tacoma’s Free Summer Lunch sites providing meals for youth 18 and younger each weekday.
Well deserved and appropriate recognition for a remarkable woman in Tacoma’s history.
While I did not know her personally, after reading her story, it is obvious to me that Senator Rosa Franklin is a great human being making the world a better place on a daily basis for everyone she comes into contact with.
I have tried to be a good human being and typically have felt good about how I have conducted my life. Historically I have felt rewarded for my own personal achievements, but Senator Franklin makes me feel like I was left in the dust. She makes me feel like I need to do more to make the world a better place.
How ever can I do that?
I am certain Senator Franklin has been and is still an inspiration to many.
Joseph Boyle
My Grandmother, Eva Potter, who lived in Franklin Park when there was a lake, Hoodlum Lake, would be thrilled to know that Rosa is being honored. Eva was a mover, shaker in her time, and saved several children from drowning. In the 40’s I took the 11th St. bus from downtown, got off at Puget Sound,and threaded my way on paths through the head high Scotch Broom to Grandma’s house on 15th. Eva fought for years to clear the land and make it into the park as we know it now.
After her death, the house, trees, Christmas Rose field, went to the park board. I hope Rosa reads this to find she is following the footsteps of a great lady.