Bridgeport Honoring Margaret Morton's Legacy At Stamp-Unveiling Event

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — State Sen. Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) will celebrate Women’s History Month on Friday by honoring the legacy of Margaret E. Morton, the first African-American woman elected to serve in the state legislature.

Bridgeport U.S. Postmaster Gary Thompson will unveil a Black History postal stamp in honor of educator and social activist Dorothy Irene Height on Friday.
Photo Credit: *U.S. Postal Service*

Meredith Guinness

03/23/2017 11:00 a.m.

In 1972, Morton, then 48, started the first of four terms as a state representative in the General Assembly. During her tenure, she chaired the committee on Human Rights and Opportunities and eventually served as assistant House majority leader.

In 1980, she won a close victory to become the first African-American woman elected to the state Senate. She served six terms and was deputy president pro tempore.

In 2013, a year after Morton’s death, Bridgeport named the City Hall annex on Broad Street the Margaret E. Morton Government Center in her honor.

During Friday’s event, Moore and Bridgeport U.S. Postmaster Gary Thompson will also unveil a Black History postal stamp in honor of educator and social activist Dorothy Irene Height.

The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beacon Hall Event Center at Housatonic Community College. The college is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.