Ruth Bates Harris McKenzie

RUTH BATES HARRIS McKENZIE

(August 27, 1919 -January 31, 2004)

Ruth Bates McKenzie was born in Washington, DC on August 27, 1919, to the late Harry Delaney and the late Florence Graham. She is a half sister of the late Albert Graham. Ruth was partly raised in New York by her father and in Richmond, VA by her mother. She wrote a book called "Harlem Princess: The Story of Harry Delaney's Daughter". In her book, there is a wealth of information about her life. The book includes being raised as a Harlem Princess and graduating from Florida A& M College (later called University). It also shares information about her life on joining a group of Tuskegee Airmen; moving to the Nation's Capitol; becoming "The Civil Rights Lady" and her career in government, including becoming the highest ranking woman in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in 1973. It was at NASA where her book opens with "A View from the Top and a Thunderous Fall".

She retired from her government career at the U.S. Department of Interior. Ruth has always had a passion for Diversity/Human Relations where she served as a consultant for several years after retiring. This passion drove her to co-author a book with Lynda Owens Sampson entitled "Teenpower: A to Z". Her position regarding teens focused on her urgent concerns and the desire to improve the quality of life for youth globally and to utilize their leadership and talents more meaningfully. As she reflected on her childhood struggles, Ruth wanted to inspire teens that they too can overcome life's obstacles. It is fitting that Ruth is featured this month, Black History Month 2004, in a calendar produced by youth to honor Historical Giants who promote racial harmony and youth empowerment. These youth affectionately refer to her as "Grandma".

Her Human Relations experience included the positions she held in the government of the District of Columbia, the first director of Human Relations in Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools and the first woman Deputy Assistant Administrator for Equal Opportunity at NASA. NASA honored her in 1994 during the 30th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1999 she was cited as ""number one"" among 35 women in a 40th Anniversary TRIBUTE TO WOMEN OF NASA: A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE. Ruth has received over 100 awards and Keys to two cities (Jacksonville and Cocoa Beach, Florida). She is also listed in WHO'S WHO Among Women, World Women, Black Americans and American Women.

Ruth and her late husband Alfred McKenzie (who was a famed Tuskegee Airman) often spoke on history and human relations to encourage youth. She had two sons. Charles Foxx, Jr. (wife Julia), of Norfolk, Virginia, is in real estate and Bernard, a composer, who preceded her death. She leaves a beloved son, other relatives, and a host of friends who will cherish her memories.

Homegoing Services will take place Thursday, February 5, Crusaders Baptist Church, 800 I Street, NE, Washington, DC 202-548-0707. Viewing 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., Pastor, Dr. Alton Wayne Jordan.endcol