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, born in 1943, is an important American politician and a champion for civil rights. She was a lawmaker in the Montana House of Representatives for the Democratic Party. Angela Russell also took part in the famous Selma to Montgomery marches and worked hard for Native American rights. She is a proud member of the Crow Tribe of Montana.

Growing Up

Angela Veta Russell was born in 1943. She finished high school at Hardin High in 1961. She went on to study at the University of Montana. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology and sociology. Later, in 1974, she received a master's degree from Tulane University. This degree was in social work and counseling.

Her Work

Fighting for Rights

Angela Russell has always been a strong voice for change. In 1965, she joined the historic Selma to Montgomery marches. These marches were a big part of the Civil Rights Movement.

While studying at Montana State University, she helped lead the Northwest Regional Indian Youth Conference. In 1972, she was elected to a health, education, and welfare committee for the Crow Tribe. She also served on the Montana Advisory Committee for the United States Commission on Civil Rights. She even became its chair.

Serving in Montana's Government

Angela Russell decided to become a lawmaker for her state. She ran for a seat in the Montana House of Representatives. This group of lawmakers helps make laws for Montana.

Winning Elections

In 1986, Angela Russell ran for the 99th district seat. She won her first election against Reinhold Jabs. She was re-elected several times without much trouble. She won again in 1988, 1990, and 1992.

In 1994, she tried to run for the Montana Senate. This is another group of lawmakers, but she did not win that election.

Her Time as a Lawmaker

During her time in the Montana House of Representatives, Angela Russell worked on important committees. These included committees for Natural Resources and Human Service and Aging. In 1988, she became the chair of the Labor committee.

She also led the Democratic Women's Caucus in the Montana House. In 1994, the Governor of Montana, Marc Racicot, chose her to be part of the Montana Human Rights Advisory Council.

Angela Russell spoke out against a law that wanted to make English the only official language in Montana. She said it felt "racist" to Native peoples. She explained that for Native Americans, their language is very important to their history. In 1991, she helped pass a law to create a holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr..

Later Life

After her time as a state lawmaker, 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 her to the Montana Board of Crime Control. This board helps make decisions about crime and safety in the state.