OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Anastasia Pittman today expressed her sadness at the passing of Hannah Atkins, the first black woman elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Atkins passed away Thursday at the age of 86.

“Hannah Atkins was the trailblazer who led the way for other black women to serve in the state House,” Pittman, a Democrat representing Oklahoma City, said. “I would not be here if not for her example and it saddens me greatly to hear of her passing. She set the standard for how to represent one’s constituents, how to lead. She also had poise and grace, and was overall a very classy and remarkable woman and leader. A great many people are going to miss her.”

Atkins was elected to represent House District 97 in 1968 and was the first woman to chair a House committee. After more than a decade serving in the Legislature, Gov. Henry Bellmon appointed her Secretary of Social Services, Secretary of Human Resources and Secretary of State. She retired in 1991 as the highest ranking woman in state government.

“It’s amazing that she not only became the first black woman to serve in the House, but that she was able to accomplish so much and go on to other firsts,” Pittman said. “She was just one of those people that did not see a limit to what she could achieve.

“My prayer is that her legacy will continue through our leadership on the second century and that we will inspire new leaders for the next generation.”