Sometimes, when we think of politicians, we think that they have been around forever. Actually, they haven’t. The first African American woman was elected to the legislature in 1962. That’s what makes Black History Month special — we can take time out to remember those who have gone before.
The first African American woman elected to the Missouri Legislature was DeVerne Lee Callaway. She was not a native Missourian. She was born in Memphis, Tenn. She taught school after finishing college and later joined the Red Cross. During World War II, she served with the Red Cross in China, Burma and India. While in India, she protested the segregation against black soldiers in Red Cross facilities. Back at home, she took a position with the Jewish Welfare Fund, where she developed a skill in fundraising.
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