Angela Russell (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Angela Russell
Angela Russell in 1960
Member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 99th district
In office 1987–1995
Preceded by	Ramona Howe
Personal details
Born	1943 (age 81–82)
Political party	Democratic Party
Education	University of Montana (BA) Tulane University (MA)

Angela Veta Russell was born in 1943. She is an American politician and a champion for civil rights. She served in the Montana House of Representatives, which is a group of people who make laws for the state of Montana. Angela Russell is also a proud member of the Crow Tribe of Montana. She took part in important events like the Selma to Montgomery marches and worked hard for Native American rights.

Early Life and Education

Angela Veta Russell was born in 1943. She finished high school in Hardin in 1961. She then went to the University of Montana, where she earned a bachelor's degree. This degree focused on how people live in societies and different cultures. Later, in 1974, she earned a master's degree from Tulane University. This advanced degree helped her learn about social work and counseling.

Career and Activism

Fighting for Rights

Angela Russell has always been dedicated to helping others. In 1965, she joined the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. These marches were a big part of the Civil Rights Movement, where people walked to demand equal voting rights for African Americans.

While she was a student at Montana State University, Angela worked as a leader for the Northwest Regional Indian Youth Conference. This group helped young Native Americans. In 1972, she was chosen to be on the Crow Tribe's health, education, and welfare committee. This committee worked to improve the lives of people in her tribe.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Angela was a member and leader of the Montana Advisory Committee. This committee worked with the United States Commission on Civil Rights to make sure everyone in Montana was treated fairly and equally.

Serving in the Montana House of Representatives

Becoming a Representative

In 1986, Angela Russell decided to run for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives. She wanted to represent the 99th district. She ran as a member of the Democratic Party. Her opponent in the primary election dropped out, and the person who held the seat before her decided not to run again. Angela then won the general election against her Republican opponent, Reinhold Jabs.

She ran for reelection several times and won. In 1988, she won without anyone running against her. In 1990 and 1992, she won against Republican nominee Ellis Murdock.

In 1994, Angela tried to run for a seat in the Montana Senate, which is another part of Montana's law-making body. However, she was defeated in that election.

Making a Difference

While serving in the Montana House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995, Angela Russell worked on important committees. These included committees focused on natural resources, human services, and aging. In 1988, she became the leader of the Labor committee.

In 1989, she became the leader of the Democratic Women's Caucus in the Montana House. This group supported women in politics. In 1994, the Governor of Montana, Marc Racicot, chose her to be part of the Montana Human Rights Advisory Council.

Angela was a strong voice for Native Americans. When a law was proposed in 1987 to make English the official language of Montana, she spoke out against it. She explained that Native Americans felt it was unfair and that their languages were vital to their history and culture. In 1991, she also introduced a law to create a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., a famous civil rights leader.

Later Life and Continued Service

After her time in the state legislature, Angela Russell continued to serve her community. From 2004 to 2009, she worked as a judge for the Crow Tribal Court.

In 2015, and again in 2019, Governor Steve Bullock appointed Angela to the Montana Board of Crime Control. This board works to improve public safety and justice in Montana.

In 2018, during the 2018 United States Senate election in Montana, Angela Russell supported Senator Jon Tester. She also shared her thoughts when the chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana supported a different candidate.