Freddye Harper Williams facts for kids

Freddye Harper Williams (born January 9, 1917 – died 2001) was an important leader in Oklahoma. She was a writer for newspapers, a government worker, and a politician. She worked hard to serve her community and state.

Early Life and Education

Freddye Harper was born in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Her parents were Frederick G. Harper and Mittie Jo Harper. When she was a child, her family moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Later, they moved to Oklahoma City. Freddye went to Douglass High School in Oklahoma City. She was the best student in her graduating class, known as the valedictorian. She later married Calvin Williams. They had two sons and one daughter.

A Career in Public Service

Freddye Harper Williams started her career as a writer for a newspaper called the Black Dispatch. After that, she worked for about 30 years at Tinker Air Force Base. This is a large military base. Her work at the newspaper sometimes caused problems with her job at the air force base.

Freddye Harper Williams was also very involved in her community. From 1975 to 1980, she served on the Oklahoma City Board of Education. This group helps make decisions about schools in the city. After that, she became a state legislator. She was elected five times to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This is where laws are made for the state of Oklahoma. She was a member of the Democratic Party and represented the 99th district until 1990. She also helped many other community groups.

Her Legacy

In 1985, Freddye Harper Williams was honored for her achievements. She was added to the Oklahoma Afro-American Hall of Fame. This special hall recognizes important African-American people from Oklahoma. Today, a scholarship is named after her. The National Collegiate Honors Council gives out the Freddye T. Davy Student Scholarship to help students.