Grantee's Stories

Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture

The Legends Project

 

The Texas Bar Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture to support The Legends Project, which honors Charlye O. Farris.

The late Charlye Ola Farris, a trailblazer in the legal field, achieved several historic milestones: she was the first African American woman to practice law in Texas, the first African American attorney—male or female—in Wichita County, and the first African American to serve as a judge in the South since Reconstruction.

Throughout her career, she was awarded and recognized by multiple institutions, including the Texas Bar Foundation. In 2004, the Texas Bar Foundation honored her as an Outstanding 50-Year Lawyer Award recipient. This award is given to lawyers who have practiced for 50 years or more and have consistently followed the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession.

The Legends Project includes a touring exhibition that highlights Ms. Farris’ life and legacy within the context of the Civil Rights Movement. As part of this initiative, the Alliance developed discussion guides for 5th and 6th-grade Social Studies classes, designed to align with the Texas Education Agency’s learning standards. Over 6,000 learning guides were distributed to 37 school districts across 12 North Texas counties.

The Legends Project newspaper.

The Texas Bar Foundation grant specifically supported the educational elements of the project, including the exhibition and learning guides. These resources aim to educate area youth about Ms. Farris’ pivotal role in history and inspire the next generation to explore careers in law. The project also featured the installation of a permanent bronze sculpture of Ms. Farris on the lawn of the Wichita County Courthouse.

Former Trustee Scott Sherwood of Panhandle, Texas holding the Legends Project newspaper standing next to the bronze sculpture of Ms. Farris at the unveiling

“The Texas Bar Foundation’s support is introducing students across North Texas to the inspiring life of Charlye Ola Farris. Young readers can see the power of perseverance and envision a future of possibility in the legal field. Her story offers a powerful example for the next generation.”

Ann Arnold-Ogden, Executive Director, Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts & Culture.

To find out more about the project visit wichitafallsarts.org

To download The Legends Project Newspaper click HERE