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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 60th Legislature (2025)
HOUSE
RESOLUTION 1025 By: Waldron
AS INTRODUCED
A Resolution honoring the life and legacy of Kate
Barnard; recognizing Kate Barnard as a pioneering
advocate for justice and equity in Oklah oma;
proclaiming May 23 as Kate Barnard Day in the State
of Oklahoma; and directing distribution.
WHEREAS, Catherine Ann "Kate" Barnard was born on May 23, 1875,
in Geneva, Nebraska, and moved to Oklahoma at the age of 12 where
she became a devout Cat holic and lifelong servant of the people; and
WHEREAS, Kate Barnard was the first wo man elected to statewide
office in the United States, serving two terms as the Oklahoma
Commissioner of Charities beginning in 1907 at a time when women in
Oklahoma did not yet have the right to vote; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure, Kate Barnard was responsible for the
passage of over thirty (30) statutory laws, many of which laid the
foundation for the modern Department of Corrections, Department of
Human Services, and Depa rtment of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Services; and
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WHEREAS, the fearless advo cacy of Kate Barnard extended to
improving conditions for the working class, addressing child labor,
expanding access to education, and reforming the prison and mental
health systems; and
WHEREAS, despite retaliation by powerful political and
industrial interests , including defunding her office, Kate Barnard
remained steadfast in her mission to return stolen oil lands and
financial assets to Native American children, securin g over One
Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) on their behalf; and
WHEREAS, the work of Kate Barnard continues to inspire
generations of advocates, policymakers, and public servants, and as
such, her legacy is honored with a statue in the Oklahoma State
Capitol and the naming of the Kate Barnard Community Corrections
Center; and
WHEREAS, the enduring message from Kate Barnard to future
generations stating, "I bequeath the example of my public life to
the youth of the world …" calls us to uphold justice, integr ity, and
compassion in public service .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE I T RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE O F REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
THAT the Oklahoma House of Representatives hereby honors the
life and legacy of Kate Barnard, a trail blazing woman of faith,
courage, and conviction.
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THAT May 23 shall be proclaimed Kate Barnard Day in the State of
Oklahoma to commemorate her contributions to justice, equity, and
public welfare.
THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to the Oklahom a
Historical Society, the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women,
and the Saint Joseph Old Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City.
60-1-13652 TKR 04/29/25