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Updated Last On: 3/26/05

Ruth Latham

In 1954, after serving six years as a W.A.C. (Women's Army Corps), in the United States Army, Ruth came to Champaign with an appointment on Chanute Air Force Base as an Oral Hygienist. She was the only African American female in that position. Later, she met and married Charles Latham. After Chanute Regulation changes, Ruth left to work at Urbana High School as a Library Technician. During this time, she also performed in several plays written by local playwright, Cheryl West. Ruth later returned to Chanute, in the Real Property (Real Estate) Office until she retired in 1989. Later that year, she went to work for the Energy Assistance Program at the Urban League of Champaign County. After seven years, she officially retired to become more active in her church and the Douglass Senior Citizen program.

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This Legacy Is Yours was a cooperative effort between the National Council of Negro Women and the Early American Museum.

A gold star () denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section of the National Council of Negro Women.