Ruth M. Kirk, MSA SC 3520-12253

Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Ruth M. Kirk (1930-2011)
MSA SC 3520-12253

Biography:

Born Ruth Simmons, in Baltimore, Maryland, February 2, 1930. Attended Baltimore public schools. Married; seven children. Died June 17, 2011, in Baltimore, Maryland. Buried, Arbutus Memorial Park.

General Assembly:
House of Delegates, Legislative District 44 (D), Baltimore City, 1983-2011. Member, Constitutional and Administrative Law Committee, 1983-90; Economic Matters Committee, 1991-2011 (deathcare industry work group; workers' compensation subcommittee, 1995-2003; real estate & housing subcommittee, 1999-2003; business regulation subcommittee, 2003-11; property & casualty insurance subcommittee, 2003-06); Tort and Insurance Reform Oversight Committee, 1993; House Facilities Committee, 1993-2011; Joint Committee on Federal Relations, 1999-2004; Protocol Committee, 2007-11. Member, Liaison Work Group, Baltimore City Delegation. Member, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (formerly Maryland Black Caucus), 1983-2011 (member, nominating committee, 2000-11, redistricting committee, 2000-11; past chair, budget committee; past treasurer); Women Legislators of Maryland, 1983-2011 (president, 1994); Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2006-11. Member, National Black Caucus of State Legislators; National Order of Women Legislators; Southern Legislative Conference (economic development, transportation & cultural affairs committee, 2005-11; fiscal affairs & government operations committee, 2005-11).

Private Career and Other Public Service:
Member, Task Force for Voter Registration, 1984-86; Governor's Council on Adolescent Pregnancy, 1992-2005; State Commission on Neighborhoods, 1994-96; Advisory Council on Offender Employment Coordination, 2001-04; Farmer-Mitchell Advisory Council, University of Maryland Medical System.

Teacher's aide. Member, Baltimore Blueprint; National Citizens Participation Council; Community Organization to Improve Life (COIL); Self Help Housing Board; Urban Service Commission; Urban Service Advisory Council; Urban Services Center 19; Poppleton Urban Renewal Planning Action Council (PAC). Board of Directors, Meals on Wheels. Member, Greater Model Community Council; Citizens Democratic Action Organization; Committee for Cultural Arts. Baltimore Best Silver & Blue Award, 1982; Frances Morton Froelicher Civic Statesmanship Award, 1982; Golden Brick Award, Baltimore Blueprint; highest hour service, District 8 (1,929 hours). Casper R. Taylor, Jr. Founder's Award, House of Delegates, 2007. Member, Eastern Star. Member, Morning Star Baptist Church of Christ, Baltimore.

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