Hannah Atkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hannah Atkins |
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| Secretary of State of Oklahoma | |
| In office 1987–1991 |
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| Governor | Henry Bellmon |
| Preceded by | Jeannette B. Edmondson |
| Succeeded by | John Kennedy |
| Oklahoma State Representative | |
| In office 1969–1981 |
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| Preceded by | Jerry Sokolosky |
| Succeeded by | Kevin C. Cox |
| Constituency | 97th House District |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 1, 1923 Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
| Died | June 17, 2010 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Charles N. Atkins |
| Children |
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Hannah Diggs Atkins (November 1, 1923 – June 17, 2010) was an important leader in Oklahoma. She made history as the first African-American woman elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She served there for many years, from 1968 to 1980.
Later, she became the Secretary of State of Oklahoma. She also held the position of Secretary of Social Services at the same time. This made her the highest-ranking woman in Oklahoma state government. She retired from these important roles in 1991.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hannah Diggs was born on November 1, 1923. Her hometown was Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was the fifth of six children born to James and Mabel Diggs.
Her family believed strongly in education. Hannah and all her sisters earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Her brother, Edward O. Diggs, also made history. He was the first African-American to attend the University of North Carolina Medical School in 1961.
Hannah went to public schools in Winston-Salem that were segregated. This meant that Black and white students went to separate schools. She graduated as the top student, called valedictorian, from Atkins High School at just 15 years old.
She earned her first college degree in 1943. It was a B.A. in French and Biology from St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1949, she earned a library science degree from the University of Chicago. Hannah also studied law at Oklahoma City University. Later, in 1989, she earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She was 66 years old at the time.
Marriage and Library Career
In 1943, Hannah married Charles N. Atkins, a doctor. This was just two days before she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree. Hannah and Charles had three children: Edmund Earl, Charles Nathaniel, and Valerie Ann.
Hannah Atkins began her career as a reference librarian in 1949. She worked at Fisk University in Nashville. In 1950, the family moved back to Winston-Salem. There, she became the librarian at Kimberly Park Elementary.
Atkins loved books and reading. She once said, "I was a librarian. I still am a book-aholic." She explained that her father always brought them books instead of candy when he traveled.
In 1953, the Atkins family moved to Oklahoma. Hannah worked as a branch librarian for the Oklahoma City Public Library until 1956. In 1962, she became a reference librarian for the Oklahoma State Library. Within a year, she became the chief of general reference. She also worked as an acting law librarian.
She later taught law and library science at Oklahoma City University. In 1989, she earned her Master's of Public Administration.
As a librarian, Atkins spoke out against unfair practices. She fought against both censorship (stopping people from reading certain books) and racism (unfair treatment based on race). She believed that libraries should offer all kinds of books. She also felt that people should not be judged or treated badly because of their race.
Political Career
Hannah Atkins is most famous for her political work. She was the first African-American woman to be elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She served from 1968 to 1980. She represented the 97th District.
During her time as a representative, Atkins wrote many important bills. She worked hard to improve health care, child welfare, and mental health services. She also fought for women's rights and civil rights. She was the Chairwoman of the Public and Mental Health Committee. She also served on other important committees, including the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter chose Atkins for a special role. She became a member of the United Nations General Assembly for its 35th Session. She worked on a committee that focused on social and economic issues around the world.
After her work at the United Nations, she returned to Oklahoma. In 1983, Governor Henry Bellmon appointed her Assistant Director of the Department of Human Services. Her duties included overseeing services for older adults.
In 1987, she became the Cabinet Secretary for Social Services. That same year, she also took on the role of Secretary of State. She held both important jobs at the same time. As Secretary of State, she had many responsibilities. She oversaw departments like Mental Health and Corrections. She was the highest-ranking woman in Oklahoma state government until she retired in 1991.
Atkins remembered that becoming Secretary of State was not easy. She said, "First, I was a woman and then I was an African American. They will beat you up on those things." But her father had always told her, "Don't ever let that stop you. You have your ambition and you go ahead and do what you think you're cut out to do." She tried to live by those words.
Awards and Recognition
Hannah Atkins received many awards and honors throughout her life.
- In 1968, she was named Theta Sigma Pi Woman of the Year.
- In 1975, she was recognized as a National Public Citizen.
- The University of Oklahoma even held a "Hannah Atkins Day" in her honor in 1978.
She was inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 1982. She also joined the Oklahoma Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1983. In 2000, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Atkins was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and The Links, Inc.
In 1990, Oklahoma State University created a special position in her honor. It was called the Hannah Atkins Endowed Chair in Public Service. This chair helps support public service studies.
She received honorary doctorates from two major universities. One was from the University of Oklahoma in 1998. The other was from Oklahoma State University in 2000. Even into the 21st century, Atkins continued to serve her community. She was a member of the Oklahoma Task Force for the Bombing Memorial. Her important public papers are kept at Oklahoma State University.
Awards
- Theta Sigma Pi Woman of the Year (1968)
- National Public Citizen of the Year (1975)
- Merit Award, Mother of the Year (1976)
- Hannah Atkins Day, University of Oklahoma (1978)
- Oklahoma ACLU Angie Debo Award (1980)
- Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame (1982)
- Consultant to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (1982)
- Outstanding Woman of the Year, Town Club (1983)
- Cabinet Secretary of Oklahoma Social Services (1987–1991)
- Oklahoma Secretary of State (1987–1991)
- M.P.A. University of Oklahoma (1989)
- National Governors Association Award for Distinguished Service to State Government (1990)
- National Conference of Christians and Jews Humanitarian Award (1990)
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma (2000)
- Oklahoma Black Heritage Humanitarian Award
- RSU Constitution Award
