Faith Ross Named Sonoma County Woman of the Year

PETALUMA – Faith Ross, co-founder of Petaluma Blacks for Community Development who curated the town’s Black History Month exhibit during a year of nationwide outrage over police treatment of Black people, has been named Sonoma County Woman of the Year by Sen. Bill Dodd.

“Faith kept a spotlight on the many contributions of African Americans and the challenges they continue to face at a time of great reckoning in our country,” Sen. Dodd said. “She emerged as a leading voice in our community as we strive for racial equity and social justice.  I’m proud to recognize her efforts at this turning point in our history.”

“I am a Black woman who is proud to be a woman and Black,” Faith Ross said. “I refuse to believe that my skin color has anything to do with my character. I was brought up to respect others just as I want to be respected. I believe that we all have a responsibility to work within our community to make it equitable and safe for all.”

Faith Ross co-founded Petaluma Blacks for Community Development in 1978. For four decades, the nonprofit has organized the town’s Black History Month program and has fostered awareness of the African American community. Over the past year, the group took a visible role in the Black Lives Matter movement and demonstrations against police violence. Petaluma Blacks for Community Development later became co-host of the city’s community forum on racism and police interaction.

Faith, who retired from the Sonoma County auditor/assessor’s office, also is involved in the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum and the Petaluma Christian Church, where she teaches Sunday school. At the museum, she has curated exhibitions including “Women Who Fought for Civil Rights” and “The Many Faces of Petaluma – The Ethnic and Cultural Diversity of our City.” 

###

Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.