GEORGE WASHINGTON WILLIAMS ROOM

Helen Rankin was the first African-American woman to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives. She attended the University of Cincinnati, and prior to serving in the Ohio Legislature worked as an intake supervisor. She married James W. Rankin, who became a state representative in 1971. When he died in office in 1978, she was appointed to complete his term and then was elected by her constituents. She went on to work sixteen years in the Ohio House, the first African-American woman to serve there.

She fought for health care issues and championed the needs and rights of women, children, and the poor. She was known as a quiet legislator. Her supporters said she "planned purposefully, prepared prayerfully, proceeded hopefully, and pursued persistently." As chairwoman of the House Human Services Committee, she pushed through a bill that required insurance companies to pay for mammograms. She introduced it four times before its passage in 1991.

Rankin fought to preserve Medicaid reimbursement for outpatient health visits, advocated for affordable health care and housing, and prioritized educational opportunity. During her tenure on the House Finance and Appropriations Committee and her 12 years as Chair of the Human Resources Committee, she built a reputation as a relentless advocate for the people. Her leadership helped ensure that Ohio recognized and expanded services for the blind, the communicatively impaired, and youth in need of developmental support. Her work on reforms to the Title XX Comprehensive Social Services program strengthened accountability by improving eligibility standards, implementing independent audits, and ensuring fair cost reimbursement.

Her commitment to community continued long after her time in office. Following her retirement from the Ohio House in 1994, she served as Project Co-Chair for the Shalom Habitat for Humanity Project, helping to build 17 new homes in Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills community. She also served on the board of the Emanuel Community Center and remained active in her faith at New Vision United Methodist Church, where she held leadership roles, including President of the United Methodist Women and Senior Ministry.

She was committed to politics and community organizations. She was a member of the Hamilton County Woman's Democratic Club, the Harriet Tubman Black Women's Democratic Club, and the Third Ward Democratic Club.

Sources:

• Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 March 1994, B-9. OHS Microfilm Roll 45627.
• Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 March 1994, B-3. OHS Microfilm Roll 45627.
• National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center.
• Ohio Legislative Black Caucus