Ann Shaw (social worker) facts for kids

Ann Shaw (born November 21, 1921 – died May 5, 2015) was an amazing American social worker and community leader. She lived in Los Angeles for 50 years, helping people and making a big difference.

Ann Shaw was a top leader at the YWCA in Los Angeles. She was the first African American person to lead the YWCA there. She was also the first woman and first African American to be on the California Commission on Judicial Performance. This group helps make sure judges do their jobs well.

Ann Shaw's Early Life

Ann Shaw was born Margaret Ann White in Columbus, Ohio, on November 21, 1921. Her parents were P. Daniel White and Sarah Roberts White. Her father owned a funeral home. This was special because not many African Americans owned businesses back then. Her mother was active in their local Episcopal Church and a separate YWCA group for African Americans.

Education and Marriage

Ann Shaw went to the University of Redlands and finished in 1943. She earned a degree in speech. In 1944, she got her master's degree in speech from Ohio State University.

She met her husband, Leslie Nelson Shaw Sr. (1922–1985), at Ohio State University. They got married in 1947.

Making a Difference

It was hard for Ann to find a job in speech. So, she started volunteering her time to help others.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy chose her husband, Leslie Shaw, to be the first African American postmaster in Los Angeles. Around that time, Ann Shaw became the president of the YWCA.

Helping After the Watts Riots

In 1965, there were big problems in Los Angeles called the Watts riots. Ann Shaw helped lead a group to calm things down in the local schools. This experience made her want to learn even more about helping people.

She went to the University of Southern California (USC). In 1968, she earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

Important Public Roles

In 1975, the Governor of California, Jerry Brown, appointed Ann Shaw to a very important role. She became the first woman and first African American to serve on the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

Ann Shaw was also a member of many different boards. These included the Boys and Girls Club of Southern California and Loyola Law School. She also served on boards for medical centers and universities, like the UCLA Medical School. She even served on the board of Lloyds Bank.

Legacy

Ann Shaw passed away on May 5, 2015, in Los Angeles. She was 93 years old.

In 1979, the City of Los Angeles named Leslie Shaw Park after her late husband. The park is located at 2nd Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard.