Teresa Patterson Hughes (1932-2011)
Residing in New York City for the early years of her life, Teresa Patterson Hughes earned a masters and PhD in education administration from New York University and Claremont Graduate School, respectively. In New York, Hughes worked as a social worker and educator; after moving to California, she worked also as a consultant in numerous educational and legislative capacities. Upon receiving her position in the California State Assembly in 1975, Hughes became the second Black woman elected to the California Legislature. She was a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus alongside Assembylmember Maxine Waters. She served as an Assemblymember from 1975 to 1992, and as a California State Senator from 1993 to 2000. Hughes’ legislative contributions and areas of focus included education, unemployment, and affordable housing, especially housing for students. She also held numerous California State Assembly Committee chairpersonships, including the positions of chair of the Postsecondary Education Committee from 1981 to 1982, and Education Committee from 1983 to 1990. Hughes passed away on November 13, 2011 at 80 years old.