Martha Wright was born in Pierce City, Missouri back in 1912. After attending public schools, she went on to the University of Missouri earning B.A. continuing her education, she graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1940.
After graduation, she worked in private practice, for the American Automobile Insurance Company and as Ordnance District contract negotiator. She was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. In 1954, she was elected as a Democrat from Michigan’s 17th congressional district.
What you may not know about Martha Wright Griffiths is that she was the first woman to serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the first woman elected to the United States Congress from Michigan. She was “instrumental” in including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title VI in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1982, she was the first Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. A true pioneer don’t you think? Until tomorrow keep a smile on your face and a penny in your pocket
Comments(18)