The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture unveiled a bronze statue of the late Charlye O. Farris, Texas’ first licensed African American female attorney, on October 26 on the lawn of the Wichita County Courthouse, according to a press release.
The alliance commissioned Farris’ statue as part of its “Legends Project,” an effort to honor North Texas legal legends and trailblazers. The Wichita Falls Times Record News reported that a large crowd attended the unveiling of the statue, which was sculpted by Lubbock-based artist Eddie Dixon, according to a press release.
Farris (1929-2010) was a Wichita Falls native. On November 12, 1953, she became Texas’ first licensed African American female attorney. On July 7, 1954, members of the Wichita County Bar Association unanimously elected Farris to serve as county judge pro tem. At the time of her election, she was believed to be the first African American judge in the South since Reconstruction.
Farris passed away at the age of 80 following a legal career that spanned more than 50 years. The Texas Bar Foundation recognized her as an Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer in 2004. In 2011, the Texas Historical Commission honored her with an historical marker in front of the Wichita Falls County Courthouse.
For more information about the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture’s “Legends Project,” and Farris, go to wichitafallsarts.org/projects/the-legends-project-charley-o-farris.
PHOTO: The bronze statue of Charlye O. Farris erected on the grounds of the Wichita County Courthouse in Wichita Falls. Photo courtesy of Ann Arnold-Ogden, Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture.