Ruth Whitehead Whaley facts for kids
Ruth Whitehead Whaley (born February 2, 1901 – died December 23, 1977) was a very important lawyer. She was one of the first African American women to become a lawyer in New York in 1925. She was also the first in North Carolina in 1933.
Ruth was also the first Black woman to graduate from Fordham University School of Law. She finished her studies with great honors in 1924.
Early Life
Ruth Whitehead Whaley was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on February 2, 1901. Both of her parents, Charles A. Whitehead and Dora Whitehead, were school teachers. She was a member of the AME Zion Church.
Ruth married Herman S. Whaley in 1920 in Goldsboro. Her husband encouraged her to study law. This was even though it was very hard for Black women to become lawyers back then. Ruth and Herman had two children: Herman W. Whaley and Ruth M. (Whaley) Spearman.
Education and Early Career
Ruth went to Livingstone Prep School and then Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. Livingstone College is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). She graduated in June 1919.
After college, Ruth worked as a teacher. She taught at the North Carolina State School for the Deaf in Raleigh.
A Trailblazing Career
Ruth Whaley had a long and important career as a lawyer. She had her own law office in New York City until 1944.
She also held important jobs in the New York City government. She was the Director of Staff and Community Relations in the Department of Welfare. She was also the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Buildings. From 1951 to 1973, she worked as the Secretary of the New York City Board of Estimate.
Ruth was very active in politics. She was part of the Democratic Party. In 1945, she was the first Black woman chosen to run for a City Council position.
Ruth was also a member of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. She was the Vice President of the National Council of Negro Women. She also started and was the first President of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Club. These groups worked to help Black women and the community.
Ruth lived in Harlem for a long time. She retired in 1973. She passed away on December 23, 1977. She is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Yonkers.
Lasting Legacy
Ruth Whitehead Whaley left a big mark on history. On June 8, 2000, a public school in Manhattan named its auditorium after her. This school is now called P.S. 241.
The Black Law Students Association at Fordham University Law School also honors her. In 1979, they named their yearly award the Ruth Whitehead Whaley Award. She was also added to the alumni Hall of Honor at Fordham University on October 22, 2014.
