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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE COOK COUNTY WOMEN’S CAUCUS HONORING THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN ELECTED TO CHICAGO’S CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, Anna Langford was born on October 27, 1917 in Springfield, Ohio. Her father, Arthur J. Riggs, died when she was only nine months old and her mother, Alice, died when Langford was eight years old; and,
WHEREAS, Langford graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1935. She then attended a trade school to learn office skills and from 1938 to 1956 worked as a typist in the Social Security office, the Election Commissioners Office and in the Office of the Secretary of State; and,
WHEREAS, In February of 1956, after studying for eleven years, Langford received her J.D. degree from John Marshall Law School at Roosevelt University in Chicago and began an extensive career as a civil rights and criminal lawyer; and,
WHEREAS, Langford practiced law throughout the State of Illinois, defended civil rights workers in the 1960s and joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Chicago civil rights marches. In 1963 and 1964, she provided free legal services in many areas, including the State of Mississippi.
WHEREAS, In 1971, Langford became the first woman elected to the Chicago City Council where she served three terms representing the 16th Ward; and,
WHEREAS, Langford has received numerous humanitarian and civic awards and honors, including being inducted into the Book of Legends by the Black Women Lawyers Association for her immeasurable contributions to the City of Chicago as a lawyer and a public servant.
WHEREAS, Anna Langford passed away on September 17, 2008 at the age of 90, and was survived by her son, Larry Langford, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, In recognition of Black History Month, the Cook County Women’s Caucus hereby honors the legacy of Anna Langford, the first African American woman elected to Chicago’s City Council.
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