Annie Coker facts for kids

Annie Coker (born Annie Virginia Stephens) was a very important person in California's history. She was the first African-American woman to become a lawyer in California. Annie Coker started working for the State of California in 1939. Her job involved organizing all of the state's laws, keeping track of new laws being discussed, and giving legal advice.

Early Life

Annie Virginia Stephens was born on April 7, 1903, in Oakland, California. Her parents were William Morris and Pauline Logan Stephens. Her family owned Stephens’ Restaurant in Oakland, which was one of the first businesses in the area owned by Black people. When she was in high school, Annie won a contest! She came up with the winning nickname, "Jewel City," for a big event called the Panama–Pacific International Exposition.

Education and Early Career

Annie Coker went to the University of California, Berkeley and earned her Bachelor of Science degree. While she was a student there, she helped create Alpha Kappa Alpha. This was Berkeley's first sorority (a club for women students) for Black women.

Her father strongly encouraged her to study law. So, Annie enrolled in UC Berkeley School of Law. At that time, she was one of only two female students in the law school. She also made history by becoming the first Black woman to graduate from Berkeley School of Law. She finished her studies in 1929 and was then allowed to practice law in California.

After law school, Annie Coker worked as a lawyer for a while in Alexandria, Virginia. By 1939, she moved back to California. She took a job in Sacramento at the California Office of Legislative Counsel. This office helps lawmakers write and understand laws.

A Legal Pioneer

Annie Coker worked at the California Office of Legislative Counsel for 25 years. She retired in 1966. In her role, she played a big part in making sure California's laws were clear and organized. She helped lawmakers understand the rules and how new laws would fit in. Her work was very important for the state government.

Later Life

Annie Coker was married two times during her life. She passed away on February 17, 1986, in Sacramento, when she was 83 years old. She is remembered as a true pioneer for women and African Americans in the legal field.

See also

• List of first women lawyers and judges in California