Helen Douglas Mankin

HelenDouglasMankin

Helen Douglas Mankin (September 11, 1896 – July 25, 1956) was an American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Georgia. She was one of the first women to serve in Congress from Georgia and was known for her advocacy for civil rights and social justice.

Early Life and Education

Helen Douglas Mankin was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Rockford College in Illinois and later graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1920. Mankin was one of the first women to graduate from the law school and subsequently became one of the first female lawyers in Georgia.

Legal Career

After obtaining her law degree, Mankin began practicing law in Atlanta. She was known for her work in defending the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized communities. Her legal career was marked by her commitment to social justice and civil rights.

Political Career

Mankin entered politics as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, where she served from 1937 to 1946. During her tenure, she was a strong advocate for progressive reforms, including labor rights, education, and healthcare.

In 1946, Mankin was elected to the United States House of Representatives in a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Robert Ramspeck. She was the first woman elected to Congress from Georgia. Her election was notable for the significant support she received from African American voters, who were newly enfranchised following the abolition of the white primary system in Georgia.

Congressional Tenure

During her time in Congress, Mankin was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. She supported legislation aimed at improving the lives of African Americans and other marginalized groups. However, her progressive stance and support from African American voters made her a target of the conservative political establishment in Georgia.

In the 1946 general election, Mankin was defeated by James C. Davis, a candidate supported by the political machine of Eugene Talmadge. Despite her defeat, Mankin continued to be an influential figure in Georgia politics and remained active in advocating for civil rights and social justice.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving Congress, Mankin returned to her legal practice in Atlanta. She continued to be involved in civil rights activism and worked with various organizations to promote social justice. Helen Douglas Mankin passed away on July 25, 1956.

Mankin's legacy is remembered for her pioneering role as a female politician in Georgia and her unwavering commitment to civil rights and social justice. She paved the way for future generations of women and minority politicians in the state.

Related Pages

• United States House of Representatives
• Georgia House of Representatives
• Civil rights movement
• University of Georgia School of Law
• Eugene Talmadge
• James C. Davis

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|style="width:30%;" rowspan="1"|Preceded by

Robert Ramspeck

| style="width: 40%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from [[Georgia's congressional district]]
1946

| style="width: 30%; text-align: center;" rowspan="1"|

Succeeded by

James C. Davis

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