Powers, Georgia Davis (1923–)
Powers, Georgia Davis (1923–)
African-American politician. Name variations: Mrs. James L. Powers. Born Georgia Montgomery, Oct 29, 1923, in Springfield, Kentucky; dau. of Ben Montgomery and Frances (Walker) Montgomery; attended Louisville Municipal College, 1940–42; m. Norman F. Davis, 1943 (div. 1968); m. James L. Powers, 1973 (div.); m. a 3rd time; children: (1st m.) William Davis.
Served as the 1st African-American and 1st woman elected to Kentucky State Senate (1967–88); marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the Kentucky state capital of Frankfort and elsewhere (1960s); chaired Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns in Kentucky (1984, 1988). Awarded Anderson Laureate from state of Kentucky (1991); was also among the 1st 21 inductees of Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Hall of Fame.
See also memoir I Shared the Dream: The Pride, Passion, and Politics of the First Black Woman Senator from Kentucky (New Horizon, 1995); and Women in World History.