Virnetta Anderson facts for kids

Virnetta Anderson, born Virnetta Nelson, was an amazing community leader and politician. She was born in 1920 and passed away in 2006. Virnetta made history in Calgary, Canada, when she was elected to the Calgary City Council in 1974. She was the very first Black Canadian person to become a city councillor in Calgary. She worked hard to make her city a better place for everyone.

Growing Up and Learning

Virnetta Nelson was born in Monticello, Arkansas, in 1920. She grew up and went to school in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She continued her education at the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College. This school is now known as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She also studied at the Metropolitan School of Business in Los Angeles, California.

In 1952, Virnetta moved to Calgary, Canada. She moved there because her husband, Ezzrett Anderson, was a professional football player. He was chosen to play for the Calgary Stampeders team in the Canadian Football League.

Making a Difference in Politics

In 1974, Virnetta Anderson was elected to Calgary's city council. This was a very important moment. She became the first Black Canadian person to hold this position in the city.

As a city councillor, she worked on many important projects. She traveled to Germany to learn about new ideas for public transit. This trip helped Calgary develop its CTrain system. She also helped with the first study for the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts. Virnetta also spoke out against extending Sarcee Trail through a natural area called the Weaselhead Flats.

The mayor at the time, Rod Sykes, praised her work. He said she was one of the best councillors he ever worked with. He noted that she was honest and always spoke with common sense.

Virnetta ran for re-election in 1977 but was not successful. After that, she went back to being very involved in her community. She also started a new career in real estate.

Helping the Community

Virnetta Anderson was very active in the Calgary community. She was involved with the United Church of Canada and the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club even gave her a special award called the Paul Harris Fellow in 1988.

She was also a member of the Mount Royal College Ladies Auxiliary. She was the president of the Calgary Seniors Showcase Society. Virnetta helped start and became president of Calgary's Meals on Wheels program from 1971 to 1974. This program delivers food to people who can't easily leave their homes.

She also served on the board of Calgary's United Way chapter. Virnetta was a board member for many other organizations. These included the City Core Senior Citizen Centre, Calgary Welcome and Recreation Centre, Trinity Lodge, Aunts at Large, and the Calgary Metropolitan Foundation. She also helped the Calgary Tourist and Convention Association. From 1975 to 1980, she was on the board of the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts. She was also a board member and chairman for the Calgary Committee for the Civic Centre. She served on Mayor Klein’s Advisory Committee as well.