Groundbreaking San Francisco African-American Woman Dies

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Doris Ward, the first African-American woman to be president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, has died at 86, city officials said on Monday.

Mayor Mark Farrell announced her death and said she was a fearless leader who cared deeply about San Francisco's residents.

"Doris was a trailblazing presence whose courage and resolve helped inspire countless others to follow in her footsteps," Farrell said in a statement.

Ward had worked for the San Francisco Community College District and the Office of the Assessor-Recorder, in addition to the Board of Supervisors. Farrell said she was compassionate, kind, a valued friend and an
admired leader.

Current board President London Breed said she was saddened by Ward's passing and expressed gratitude for her leadership.

"Women like Doris Ward made it possible for someone like me to serve," Breed wrote on Facebook.

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock