14th Class
Ruth Asawa
(1926-2013)
ARTS
California Connection
- Born in Norwalk, Calif.; lived in San Francisco from 1949 until her death in 2013.
Achievements
Internationally recognized for her distinctive wire sculptures, pioneering artist Ruth Asawa left her mark on the landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area through her public commissions and on countless students through her activism on behalf of arts education.
Larry Itliong
(1913-1977)
Business & Labor
California Connection:
- Lived and worked in Stockton, Calif., and Delano, Calif.
Achievements
Larry Itliong was one of the most important civil rights leaders of the 20th century and a father of the West Coast labor movement.
Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin
(1924-2020 & 1921-2008)
Public Service
California Connection
- Lived in San Francisco from 1953 until their deaths.
Achievements
Phyllis Lyon and Dorothy “Del” Martin spent decades advancing civil rights and equality as leaders and pioneers of the LGBTQ+ and women’s rights movements
Ritchie Valens
(1941-1959)
Music
California Connection
- Born and raised in the Los Angeles area.
Achievements
Richard Steven Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens, was the first U.S. Latino rock star and the forefather of the Chicano rock movement. His heartfelt lyrics paired with high-energy vocals created a musical style that continues to attract generations of fans around the world.