Nina Miglionico facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nina Miglionico
Nina Miglionico, from her 1932 college yearbook.
Born	September 14, 1913 Birmingham, Alabama, US
Died	May 6, 2009 Birmingham, Alabama, US
Occupation	Lawyer, clubwoman, city councilmember

Nina Miglionico (born September 14, 1913 – died May 6, 2009) was an American lawyer. She was also a leader in many community groups in Birmingham, Alabama. She made history as the first woman to serve on the Birmingham City Council. She held this important role for over 20 years, from 1963 to 1985.

Early Life and Education

Nina Miglionico was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Miglionico, were from Italy. They owned and ran a delicatessen, which is a shop selling special foods.

Nina went to Howard College, which is now called Samford University. She graduated in 1933. Later, she studied law at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She earned her law degree in 1936. Nina was one of only five women in her graduating law class.

A Career of Firsts

Nina Miglionico was a very active lawyer and community leader. In 1958, she was chosen to be the president of the National Association of Women Lawyers. This is a group for women who work as lawyers. She also helped with the tax committee for the American Bar Association, a large group for all lawyers.

Because she was an expert in taxes, she advised the government. She was part of a special committee that helped the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. She was also appointed to the President's Commission on the Status of Women. This group worked to improve life for women.

In Alabama, Nina led many important organizations. She was president of groups like the Alabama Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs. She also led the Alabama Women Lawyers Association. She worked to improve cities and government systems.

In 1958, she ran for a spot on the Birmingham School Board. Later, she became the first woman ever to serve on the Birmingham City Council. She held this position for more than two decades. During her time on the council, she worked on many important issues. She fought against the poll tax, which was a fee people had to pay to vote. This tax often stopped poorer people from voting. She also worked to end child labor, so kids could go to school instead of working. Nina also supported prison reform, which means making prisons better and fairer. She also worked to ensure food safety for everyone.

Nina faced challenges because of her work for civil rights and women's rights. In 1965, someone placed a bomb on her porch, but it did not explode. In 1974, when she ran for a seat in Congress, a cross was burned in front of her house. These events showed the difficulties she faced while fighting for what was right.

Nina Miglionico received many honors for her hard work. In 1963, she was named Birmingham Woman of the Year. In 1996, the American Bar Association gave her the Margaret Brent Award. This award recognized her many achievements throughout her life.

Legacy

Nina Miglionico passed away in 2009 at the age of 95. She left behind a lasting impact. In 2011, she was added to the Alabama Lawyers' Hall of Fame. The next year, in 2012, she was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame.

To honor her, a statue of Nina Miglionico stands in Linn Park in Birmingham. Her important papers are kept at the Birmingham Public Library and the law library at the University of Alabama. The Women Lawyers Section of the Birmingham Bar Association gives out a special award in her name. It's called the Nina Miglionico "Paving the Way" Award. The first person to receive this award was Judge Inge Prytz Johnson in 2006.

In 2016, a documentary film was released about her life. It was called Stand Up, Speak Out: The Nina Miglionico Story. In 2020, Nina Miglionico was featured in an online exhibit. This exhibit celebrated 100 years since women gained the right to vote in Alabama.

Images for kids

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  Nina Miglionico, from her 1932 college yearbook.