Los Angeles Community Celebrates Former Congresswoman Diane E. Watson with Corridor Naming in Leimert Park
LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt celebrate the legacy of former U.S. Congresswoman and Ambassador Diane Watson
Photo Credit: Martin Zamora, Staff Photographer, County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
By: Omar Cook
On August 28, 2025, the City of Los Angeles forever cemented the remarkable legacy of former U.S. Congresswoman and Ambassador Diane E. Watson by dedicating the intersection of Coliseum Place and South Victoria Avenue as the Diane Watson Corridor. Nestled in the historic Leimert Park neighborhood, the newly named area also houses the Diane E. Watson Career Training Center—making the honor a powerful, fitting tribute to a woman who spent her life expanding opportunities for children, families, and communities.
The unveiling ceremony, led by LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt, drew an outpouring of love from community members, local leaders, and notable figures who gathered to celebrate Watson’s trailblazing life of service. LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and LAUSD Superintendent Albert Carvalho were among the dignitaries who shared their reflections on Watson’s unparalleled contributions to education, public service, and justice.
Councilwoman Heather Hutt uplifted Watson’s trailblazing spirit in her remarks, declaring:
“Diane Watson was a true trailblazer and advocate, not just for Angelenos, but for children, women, families, and people who cherish their communities everywhere. The Diana Watson Corridor will forever tell the story of her legacy and all she’s done for the good of others.”
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell echoed that sentiment, celebrating her former boss and mentor with heartfelt words:
“Today, I had the joy and privilege of joining LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt, LAUSD School Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill, and hundreds of community members to celebrate my forever boss—Retired Congresswoman and the first Black woman to serve in the California State Senate—the trailblazing Diane E. Watson. From leading the fight for school integration to championing higher standards and expanded opportunities for children through vital programs like Head Start, Diane Watson has always stood boldly for the people she served. It is only fitting that these streets—home to the Diane E. Watson Career Training Center—now bear her name as well.”
A Trailblazer in Education and Politics
Born in Los Angeles in 1933, Diane Edith Watson’s journey began in a devout household where values of service and perseverance were instilled early. A graduate of Dorsey High School, she went on to earn her B.A. in Education from UCLA, her M.A. in School Psychology from Cal State LA, and later a Ph.D. in Education Administration from Claremont Graduate University. She also completed coursework at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Her career spanned roles as a teacher, school psychologist, professor, and international lecturer before stepping into the political arena. In 1975, Watson became the first Black woman elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, where she fought for desegregation and rigorous academic standards. Just three years later, she made history again as the first Black woman elected to the California State Senate, where she authored landmark legislation in healthcare, welfare reform, and education, and chaired the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for nearly two decades.
Watson’s legacy of advocacy extended to the global stage when President Bill Clinton appointed her as U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia in 1999. She returned to represent her hometown in Congress from 2001 until her retirement in 2011, carrying with her decades of experience and an unshakable commitment to serving the people.
LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt celebrate the legacy of former U.S. Congresswoman and Ambassador Diane Watson
Photo Credit: Martin Zamora, Staff Photographer, County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors
A Legacy of Service
Throughout her 35 years in public service, Watson worked to improve the lives of children, women, and underserved communities—championing Head Start, teen mother support through Cal-Learn, public health and safety reforms, breast cancer research, and international humanitarian aid. Her dedication earned her respect not only in Los Angeles but across the nation and the globe.
The Diane Watson Corridor now stands as a permanent reminder of her legacy—an emblem of strength, courage, and advocacy rooted in the heart of Leimert Park, where her influence continues to inspire future generations of leaders.
As the crowd gathered in joy and gratitude, the message was clear: Diane Watson is not only a name on a street sign but a symbol of resilience, progress, and the transformative power of service.
Thank you, Congresswoman Watson, for your extraordinary contributions—and for showing Los Angeles, and the world, what it truly means to lead.
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