Hampton marks Women’s History Month and honors three women who served as mayor

Hampton City Council used its proclamations and presentations portion of the agenda to mark Women’s History Month and to honor three women who previously served as the city’s mayor.

Councilwoman Carolyn Campbell and other council members recounted the public service of Ann Hitch Kilgore, Dr. Mamie (Mamie) Locke and Molly Joseph Ward. Speakers highlighted Kilgore’s long service on council and her role in city projects from the 1960s and 1970s; Dr. Locke’s leadership, including work that advanced Peninsula Town Center and the Hampton Convention Center and her later service in the Virginia Senate; and Molly Joseph Ward’s tenure as mayor and roles in state and federal government, including as Virginia’s secretary of natural resources.

Speakers noted that the current council comprises a majority of women for the first time in Hampton history and framed the presentations as part of broader recognition of women’s long-term contributions to the city’s governance.

What the record shows: Council members provided historical context, personal recollections and biographical highlights during the presentation. The remarks included references to milestones such as Kilgore’s years on council and the city’s growth during her service; Dr. Locke’s role in partnerships with an international sister city and recognition of the city as an All-America City; and Ward’s public service at the local, state and federal levels, including work on Fort Monroe’s national-monument designation and service in the Obama administration and as Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources.

The presentation was ceremonial; no formal policy action or vote followed this part of the agenda.