Earlier this week, Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan died after being struck by car while walking her dog. That only goes to show how random life can be and how we should treasure our time on the earth as you never know what might happen next.
I didn’t know Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan at all, but she was a historic Asian American political figure – someone who made strides in California politics long before I moved here in the late 1990s:
“Chan’s career in politics spanned 30 years. She was elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors first in 1994 and then again in 2010.
In between, she served in the California State Assembly, including as majority leader.
But beyond her political accomplishments, Chan is also seen by many in the state as a leader for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Breaking glass ceilings and addressing issues that matter most to the group, says Bill Wong, the political director for California Assembly Democrats.”
“She served as Assembly Majority Whip from 2001 to 2002 and from 2002 to 2004 as [California State] Assembly Majority Leader, the first woman and the first Asian American to hold the position.”
Chan inspired many. I have seen quite a few of those I know politically who have posted about Chan’s tragic passing on social media. My thoughts are with Chan’s family and friends.
