Remembering Rita
On Dec. 11, the City honored the late Rita Walters, the first Black woman to join the City Council and a tireless advocate for the Library and equality, by dedicating the Vermont Square branch for her.
Rita died in 2020 from the affects of Alzheimer’s disease and an infection, according to reports. She served on the Council for ten years, the LAUSD board for 12 years, and the Library Commission for 15 years.
She began her Council service after winning election in 1991, when she won by a reported 76 votes. Her district, 9, covered most of central LA and downtown at the time.
During her tenure on the Council, she was the chair of the Arts, Health and Humanities Committee, which included policy regarding the Library.
