21 Facts About Anna Langford

Anna R Langford was an American politician, civil rights activist, and lawyer who served on the Chicago City Council in Chicago, Illinois.

Anna Langford ultimately served three nonconsecutive terms on the council.

Anna Langford died of lung cancer on September 17,2008, at her home in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago at the age of 90.

Anna Langford was born in Springfield, Ohio, to an African-American father, Arthur J Riggs Jr.

Anna Langford's father passed when she was nine months old, and her mother when she was eight.

However, when her children, including Anna Langford, who were biracial, came to visit their sick mother, the hospital immediately ordered her transferred to another hospital for African Americans.

Anna Langford's mother suffered a burst appendix while en route to the second hospital and did not survive.

Anna Langford moved to Chicago, Illinois, at age thirteen to live with her aunt and uncle.

Anna Langford graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1935 and later Roosevelt University.

Anna Langford enrolled at John Marshall Law School and became a lawyer in 1956.

Anna Langford later opened her own practice at 1249 west 63rd in Englewood where she served a poor and diverse client group.

Anna Langford became intimately involved in the Civil Rights Movement, both within the Chicago Metropolitan Area and nationwide.

Anna Langford ran for a seat on the Chicago City Council in 1971 after losing in her first attempt four years earlier.

Anna Langford was elected to represent the 16th Ward, which at the time encompassed the Englewood neighborhood.

Anna Langford helped pass a Chicago gay rights ordinance in 1989.

Anna Langford was re-elected in 1987 and retired from her seat four years later.

Anna Langford's persuasion worked; Washington ran for mayor and won in 1983.

Anna Langford supported Barack Obama's candidacy for President of the United States during her later life.

Anna Langford was married twice, First to Jazz musician Antonio Fambro from 1936 until 1939.

Anna Langford was on the executive board of the League of Black Women.

Anna Langford was a founding member of Operation Breadbasket which later was named Operation PUSH.