Elizabeth Pittman facts for kids
Elizabeth Davis Pittman (born June 3, 1921 – died April 8, 1998) was a very important person in Nebraska's history. She was the first woman judge and also the first black judge in the state. She was born in Iowa but grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. There, she studied hard and became a lawyer.
When she finished law school, Elizabeth Pittman was the first black woman lawyer in Nebraska. She was also one of only a few black women lawyers in the entire western United States. Later, she became the first woman and the first black person to be a deputy county attorney. This means she helped the county government with legal matters. She was later chosen to be a judge in Omaha and retired in 1986.
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Pittman was born on June 3, 1921, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her family soon moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she spent most of her life. Her mother worked as a librarian, and her father was a lawyer. Her father was also a leader in the local black community.
Elizabeth went to Omaha North High School and finished in 1938. After high school, she continued her education. She attended the University of Nebraska and then Creighton University. In 1948, she earned her law degree from Creighton University.
By 1950, Elizabeth Pittman was the only black woman lawyer in Nebraska. She was also one of only 13 black women lawyers in the western part of the United States. When she was 28, she officially became a lawyer who could work in federal courts. Her father was there to see this special moment.
A Trailblazing Career
After becoming a lawyer, Elizabeth Pittman started her own law practice. Her father helped her get started. By 1964, she was one of only two women lawyers in Omaha who had their own private practice.
That same year, she was named a deputy county attorney for Douglas County. This was a big step because she was the first woman and the first black person to hold this job in Douglas County. She worked in this role until 1971, helping with legal cases for the county.
On April 9, 1971, Elizabeth Pittman made history again. The governor, J. James Exon, chose her to be a municipal court judge in Omaha. This made her the first black person to serve as a judge in the city. The governor chose her from a list of qualified people. A Nebraska newspaper praised this choice, saying it was important because she might not have been elected by popular vote. Just two years later, she was one of only 39 black women judges in the entire country.
Retirement and Legacy
On July 21, 1986, Elizabeth Pittman decided to retire. She sent a letter to Governor Bob Kerrey saying she would leave her job on October 1 of that year. She was 65 years old at the time.
When she retired, Donna Polk, who worked for a multicultural organization, said that her retirement left "an ethnic vacuum." This meant that there were fewer role models for young black women in the legal field. Elizabeth Pittman had opened doors and shown what was possible.
Elizabeth Pittman passed away on April 8, 1998. Her life showed how one person could break barriers and inspire many others. She will always be remembered for her important "firsts" in Nebraska's legal system.
