Allie B. Latimer facts for kids

Allie B. Latimer (born February 16, 1928) was a very important American lawyer and activist. She made history as the first woman and the first African American to be the top lawyer, called the General Counsel, for a big United States government agency.

Allie Latimer spent over 40 years working to make sure everyone was treated fairly in government jobs. She helped the government follow the Civil Rights Act, which made discrimination illegal. She also started an organization called Federally Employed Women (FEW). This group helped end unfair treatment based on gender in public jobs. The National Women's Hall of Fame says that FEW's work greatly improved working conditions for many people.

Early Life and Education

Allie B. Latimer was born on February 16, 1928. She grew up in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, and also in Alabama. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was a builder.

After high school, Allie went to Hampton University and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She then spent two years volunteering. She worked in prisons and mental hospitals. She even helped try to end segregation at a hospital in New Jersey. She also worked to integrate a neighborhood near Philadelphia.

Allie Latimer loved learning. She went to Howard University School of Law and became a lawyer in 1953. Later, she earned more advanced law degrees from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. She also earned two divinity degrees from Howard University School of Divinity.

Religious Work

In 1969, Allie Latimer became an Ordained Elder at Northeastern Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. She traveled to many countries around the world. She attended over fifty church-related meetings and conferences.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Allie B. Latimer was a strong advocate for civil rights. She was a lawyer, an activist, and a humanitarian. In 1968, she created Federally Employed Women (FEW). She was the first president of this group until 1969.

FEW started as a small effort by people who wanted equal opportunities for everyone. Today, FEW has more than 200 chapters across the country. Their work has made a big difference in federal workplaces. It has improved working conditions for all government employees. FEW also became a model for other workplaces to follow.

In 1973, an article in The Chicago Defender newspaper praised Latimer. It said she showed great skill and provided "distinguished service." The Washington Post also wrote about her work. They noted that the agency she worked for was leading the way in helping women move up in their careers.

In 1977, Dr. Allie Latimer became the General Counsel of the General Services Administration (GSA). This was a huge step. She was the first woman and the first African American to hold this important legal position in any major U.S. federal agency.

Awards and Recognition

Allie B. Latimer received many honors for her important work. In 2005, she was given the Foremother Award from the National Center for Health Research. This award recognizes women who have made significant contributions.

In 2009, Allie B. Latimer was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. This is a very special honor. It celebrates American women who have made lasting contributions to the country.