A Life of Service and Inspiration Remembered in Salt Lake City
Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to the U.S. Congress, was honored in Salt Lake City on Monday. Hundreds gathered to celebrate her life, courage, and deep love for her family and country.
She passed away in March at age 49 after a long fight with brain cancer. Her memorial service took place at the University of Utah, where mourners walked past American flags and photos that told the story of her vibrant life.
From Local Politics to National Spotlight
Mia Love began her political journey in 2003 as a city council member in Saratoga Springs, Utah. She later became the city’s mayor, marking a major milestone as the first Black woman to hold such a position in the state.
Her rise didn’t stop there. In 2014, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Black Republican woman to serve in Congress. Though she served only two terms, her win defied expectations in a mostly white, conservative state.
A Fighter Until the End
Love was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2022. Despite her diagnosis, she remained strong and determined, often referring to her treatment as a campaign she intended to win.
“She told us, ‘I’m in fight mode,’” said Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. “She wanted her loved ones to form a team around her, just like in a campaign.” With help from family and friends, Love fought hard for nearly three years—surpassing her doctors’ expectations.
A Voice of Unity in a Divided Time
Though she didn’t often center race in her campaigns, Mia Love understood the power of her presence. After her 2014 win, she acknowledged how important it was for others to see a Black, Republican, Mormon woman succeed in Utah.
Even in her final months, she wrote passionately about her hope for a less divided America. Her children read one of her final op-eds at the memorial, sharing her wish for a nation that focuses more on unity than hate.
Remembered Most for Her Role as Mother and “Auntie”
While Love achieved many firsts, her family remembers her best for the love she gave at home. Her husband, Jason Love, described her as a “Jedi knight” and said her real superpower was being an extraordinary mother.
Her sister, Cyndi Brito, recalled how Mia always lifted others. She shared that even her daughter paid tribute to Mia during a school Black History Month program, saying, “The most important title Mia Love played in my eyes was auntie.”
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Mia Love’s influence reached beyond politics. After her time in Congress, she became a political commentator for CNN, using her voice to share her views and continue shaping national conversations.
Her story continues to inspire not only Utahns but also Black women, immigrants, and young girls who dream of making a difference in their communities.
