Jessie M. Rattley
Jessie M. Rattley | |
---|---|
Mayor of Newport News, Virginia | |
In office July 1, 1986 – June 30, 1990 | |
Preceded by | Joseph C. Ritchie |
Succeeded by | Barry E. DuVal |
Personal details | |
Born | Jessie Menifield May 4, 1929 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
Died | March 2, 2001 | (aged 71)
Alma mater | Hampton Institute |
Occupation | teacher, politician |
Website | http://www.nngov.com/ |
Jessie Menifield Rattley (May 4, 1929 – March 2, 2001) served as the mayor of Newport News, Virginia from 1986 to 1990, the first woman and first African-American to hold the mayorship.
Life and career
Jessie M. Rattley was born to the late Alonzo and Altona Menifield, on May 4, 1929, in
On June 9, 1952, Mrs. Rattley founded the Peninsula Business College, which provided an opportunity for youth and adults to be trained for careers in business. In seeking employment opportunities for her students, she began her lifelong commitment to
Rattley obtained a degree from
She was the first African-American to be elected to the Newport News City Council in 1970. Her election was seen as a major turning point in the
On August 9, 2005, the Newport News City Hall and the government buildings immediately surrounding it were rededicated the Jessie Menifield Rattley Municipal Center in her honor.
References
- ^ "Jessie M. Rattley". Archived from the original on 2017-02-22. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
- ISBN 978-0-917354-01-4