Ruby Grant Martin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ruby Grant Martin
Ruby Grant Martin, from a 1968 publication of the US federal government
Born	Ruby Lee Grant February 18, 1933 Gaines Landing, Chicot County, Arkansas
Died	May 8, 2003 Richmond, Virginia
Occupation	Lawyer, federal civil rights official

Ruby Lee Grant Martin (born February 18, 1933 – died May 8, 2003) was an amazing American lawyer and government leader. She worked hard to make sure everyone had equal rights. She was even chosen by President Lyndon B. Johnson to lead the federal Office for Civil Rights. In 1968, she won a special award, the Federal Woman's Award, for her important work helping schools become fair for all students.

Early Life and Education

Ruby Lee Grant was born in a place called Gaines Landing, Chicot County, Arkansas. She grew up in Cleveland, Ohio.

She went to Glenville High School and graduated in 1952. Then, she studied at Fisk University, finishing in 1956. Ruby was a brilliant student! She went on to Howard University School of Law and graduated at the very top of her class in 1959.

A Career Fighting for Rights

After law school, Ruby Grant Martin became a civil rights lawyer in Cleveland. This meant she helped people get fair treatment and equal opportunities, especially if they were being treated unfairly because of their race.

Leading the Office for Civil Rights

In 1967, Ruby was asked to join the federal government's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). She first led the Operations Division. Then, in 1968, she became the director of the entire OCR! This was a very important job during President Lyndon B. Johnson's time.

At just 34 years old, Ruby Grant Martin won the Federal Woman's Award in 1968. This award recognized her brave and effective work in making sure civil rights laws were followed, especially in schools. She helped make education fairer for everyone. She was the youngest person to ever receive this award at that time.

Helping Children and Education

In 1969, Ruby Martin helped start an organization called the Washington Research Project Action Council. Today, it's known as the Children's Defense Fund. She worked with another important leader, Marian Wright Edelman.

Ruby and Marian spoke to lawmakers in Washington D.C. They talked about laws like the Emergency School Aid Act in 1971 and about making sure everyone had equal chances in education in 1972. Later in the 1970s, Ruby was a top lawyer for a special committee in the House of Representatives that focused on the District of Columbia.

Work in Virginia

In 1978, Ruby Martin moved to Richmond, Virginia. She continued her public service there. In 1990, she joined the team of Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder, who was a classmate from her law school days. She became the Virginia Secretary of Administration. This role meant she helped manage how the state government worked.

Ruby also traveled to Africa on trade missions for Governor Wilder and for North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt. She was in charge of the Port of Richmond project and was a member of the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia. She also served as secretary for a group called Women Executives in State Government.

Community Involvement

Ruby Grant Martin believed in giving back to her community. She was on the national board for the Girl Scouts of USA. She also supported efforts to create a National Slavery Museum in the United States. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, a group focused on service and sisterhood.

Personal Life

Ruby Grant married a dentist named Henry S. Martin. They had three children together. Ruby Grant Martin passed away in 2003, at the age of 70, in Richmond. The Virginia legislature honored her memory in February 2004, recognizing her important contributions.