Georgia Ann Robinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georgia Ann Robinson
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| Born |
Georgia Ann Hill
May 12, 1879 Opelousas, Louisiana, United States
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| Died | September 21, 1961 (aged 82) Los Angeles, California, United States
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| Nationality | American |
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| Known for | First African-American woman police officer at the LAPD |
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Notable work
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Founded a shelter for women and girls (Sojourner Truth Home) |
Georgia Ann Robinson (born Hill; May 12, 1879 – September 21, 1961) was a brave American police officer. She was also a dedicated community worker. Georgia Ann Robinson made history as the first African American woman to become a police officer. She joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). She was also one of the first Black policewomen in the entire country.
She started as a volunteer jail matron in 1916. By 1919, she became an official officer. Robinson focused on cases involving young people and serious crimes. She also helped Black women. She often connected people with social services. Her police career ended when she lost her sight due to an injury. Even after retiring, Robinson continued her community work. She helped found the Sojourner Truth Home, a shelter for women and girls. She also worked with the NAACP. She campaigned to make schools and beaches open to everyone.
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Early Life and Moves
Georgia Ann Hill was born in Opelousas, Louisiana. This happened on May 12, 1879. An older sister raised her first. Later, she lived in a convent. When she was 18, she moved to Kansas. There, she worked as a governess. She met and married Morgan Robinson in Kansas. The couple then moved to Colorado. After that, they settled in Los Angeles.
Becoming a Police Officer
In 1916, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) needed more officers. Many had joined the military for World War I. Robinson was asked to join as a volunteer. She worked as a jail matron for three years.
Around this time, Black women's groups wanted more Black women hired as police officers. Organizations like the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs believed this would help protect Black women and girls. It would also fight unfair ideas about Black women.
There were strict rules to become a policewoman. You had to be 30-44 years old. You also had to be married. A degree in education or nursing was required. Robinson was 36, married, and had a nursing degree. She met all the requirements. On June 10, 1919, Robinson officially became a policewoman. She was the first Black woman sworn into the LAPD. She was also one of the first African American policewomen in the U.S. Robinson worked with Alice Stebbins Wells, the first white female policewoman.
Her Work as an Officer
The LAPD saw hiring Black women as a way to improve policing. These officers could work with Black female offenders. So, Robinson mainly handled cases with young people and serious crimes. She also worked on cases involving Black women. Instead of arresting women and girls, Robinson often sent them to social services. This was an early effort to help the Black community. Sometimes, she even let young people stay at her own home.
Robinson handled many different situations. On September 18, 1918, she rescued two injured women from a car crash. She sent them to the hospital. During her career, she also gave first aid to a juror. She rescued kidnapped babies and searched for missing girls.
As an official policewoman, Robinson was paid. However, she did not get a gun, handcuffs, or a police car. Still, she successfully took people to jail when needed.
Her police career ended in 1928. A prisoner injured her head, causing her to lose her sight permanently. Twelve years after starting, Robinson retired from the LAPD.
Community Activism
Robinson was an activist throughout her life. In Colorado, she supported women's right to vote. In Los Angeles, she was the first treasurer for the local NAACP chapter. She also helped create the Sojourner Truth Home. This home helped new Black women in LA connect with the community. She also volunteered at the Eastside Shelter for Women and Girls.
Robinson worked to make her daughter's high school graduation fair for everyone. She made sure Black students could participate equally. She also worked with H. Claude Hudson to desegregate Venice Beach. They tried to end "The Ink Spot," which was the segregated Black section of the beach.
Personal Life
Georgia Ann married Morgan Robinson in Kansas. They met and married within two weeks. In 1906, their daughter Marian was born. It is said that Robinson often invited underprivileged women and children to her home for dinner. Ebony Magazine interviewed Robinson in 1954. She passed away in Los Angeles on September 21, 1961, at age 82.
