Joe Lockridge

Joseph Edwin Lockridge was one of the first African Americans to serve in the Texas House of Representatives since Reconstruction, representing the 33rd District in Dallas County.[1][2] He was elected alongside State Senator Barbara Jordan and state representative Curtis Graves.[3]

Joe Lockridge
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 33
In office
1966 – May 3, 1968
Personal details
BornJuly 15th, 1932
Waco, Texas, United States
Died (aged 35)
Dawson, Texas
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Eva Lockridge
RelationsShadrach Lockridge (sibling)
ChildrenDoak Lockridge (Stepson)
Alma materSouthern University

Early life

Lockridge was born to Reverend Leroy R. Lockridge and Demover (Gregory) Lockridge on July 15, 1932, in Waco, Texas.[4][5] He received a bachelor's degree from Southern University, in Baton Rouge, and a juris doctorate from Howard University in Washington, D.C.. He was in the United States Army during the Korean War. In 1960, he was admitted to the Texas State Bar. He worked in private legal practice until 1966, when he was elected to the Texas State House.

Legislative career

Lockridge was a member of the 60th Texan legislature.[1] He received committee assignments to the Education, House State Affairs, Federal Relations, Mental Retardaition and Penitentiary committees.[4] His legislative focus was on mental health. His primary legislative accomplishment was a law that created halfway houses to aid recovering mental health patients in re-integrating into communities. By resolution, his colleagues in the legislature named him "Rookie [Freshman] of the Year".[1] His service in the legislature was abruptly cut short when he died in the crash of Braniff Flight 352.

Death and Legacy

Lockridge died on May 3, 1968, when Braniff Flight 352 broke up in the atmosphere. He was returning to Dallas from an event at Prairie View A&M College (now Prairie View A&M University).[4] There were calls for his wife, Eva Lockridge, to replace him, but she declined. A special election was held June 18, 1968.[1] Lockridge was succeeded by Zan Holmes.

After his death, he was honored by members of the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church through the creation of the Golden Gate Joseph E. Lockridge Scholarship Foundation.[2] The first scholarships were given in 1970. As of 2012, there have been 190 Lockridge Scholars. Recipients are selected from high school graduating classes in or near Dallas County. The foundation restricts its scholarships to Christian applicants who are US citizens, and selects based on academic performance.

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References
  1. "Texas Legislators: Past & Present - Mobile". lrl.texas.gov. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  2. "About Us". Joseph E. Lockridge Scholarship Foundation – Providing Opportunity To Those Seeking A Higher Education. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  3. Storey, John; Kelley, Mary; Scheer, Mary (2008). Twentieth-century Texas : a social and cultural history. University of North Texas Press. p. 98. ISBN 1574412450. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  4. Camille, Davis. "LOCKRIDGE, JOSEPH EDWIN". The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  5. Peterborough, K. "Joseph Edwin Lockridge". Find A Grave. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
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