Jessie M. Rattley facts for kids
Jessie Menifield Rattley (born May 4, 1929 – died March 2, 2001) was a very important leader in Newport News, Virginia. She made history by becoming the city's first woman mayor and also its first African-American mayor. She served in this role from 1986 to 1990.
Quick facts for kids
Jessie M. Rattley
|
|
|---|---|
| Mayor of Newport News, Virginia | |
| In office July 1, 1986 – June 30, 1990 |
|
| Preceded by | Joseph C. Ritchie |
| Succeeded by | Barry E. DuVal |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jessie Menifield
May 4, 1929 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 2001 (aged 71) |
| Alma mater | Hampton Institute |
| Occupation | teacher, politician |
| Website | http://www.nngov.com/ |
Contents
Who Was Jessie M. Rattley?
This section will tell you about Jessie M. Rattley's life journey. It will also explain why she was such an important figure in her community.
Her Early Life and Learning
Jessie M. Rattley was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 4, 1929. Her parents were Alonzo and Altona Menifield. She went to school in Fairfield, Alabama, and finished Fairfield High School in 1947. After high school, she attended Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. She graduated with honors in 1951. That same year, Mrs. Rattley started her career as a teacher. She taught at Collis P. Huntington High School in Newport News, Virginia. There, she even started the business department.
A Pioneer in Business and Civil Rights
On June 9, 1952, Mrs. Rattley started her own school called the Peninsula Business College. This college helped young people and adults learn skills for business jobs. While looking for jobs for her students, she became very involved in civil rights and politics. She also earned another degree from La Salle Extension University, which was a distance learning school.
Breaking Barriers in Politics
In 1970, Jessie Rattley made history again. She was the first African-American person to be elected to the Newport News City Council. This was a big moment for the civil rights movement in Newport News. Because she was on the City Council, areas like the Southeast community, where many African-Americans lived, received more money for their schools and city services.
She continued to break barriers. In 1976, she was elected vice-mayor. Then, in 1986, she became mayor. She was the first woman and first African-American to hold both of these important jobs. During her time as mayor, she had a plan to build more affordable housing in different parts of the city. This plan caused some discussion among residents.
Her Lasting Legacy
Jessie M. Rattley passed away on March 2, 2001. To honor her, the Newport News City Hall and the government buildings around it were renamed. On August 9, 2005, they became the Jessie Menifield Rattley Municipal Center. This was a way to remember her important contributions to the city.
