WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – A Wichita Falls trailblazer left a lasting mark on Texas history and her influence continues to be felt today.
Charlye Ola Farris made history in 1953 as the first Black woman licensed to practice law in Texas, breaking barriers during a time of segregation and limited opportunity in the South.
Outside the Wichita County Courthouse, a statue stands as a quiet reminder of the woman who helped change Texas legal history, but long before her story was cast in bronze, Farris’ courage stood even taller as she opened doors for generations to follow.
“It’s really important, I think, for all lawyers, but particularly women and lawyers of color, to understand that they stand today on the shoulders of people like Charlye O. Farris,” colleague and friend Charlye O. Farris Barry Macha said.
For many African American attorneys today, the path into the courtroom is clearer than it once was, but that path was paved by a Wichita Falls woman who refused to let discrimination define her future.
In 1953, Farris became the first Black woman licensed to practice law in Texas, overcoming both racial and gender barriers.
“Not only did Charlye face discrimination because of the color of her skin, but because she was a woman back in the 1950s, the legal profession was very much a man’s profession. Even graduating from law school didn’t always guarantee women a job,” Macha said.
Despite those challenges, Farris returned to Wichita Falls and built a career dedicated to service. For decades, she helped people navigate a legal system that did not always feel welcoming, becoming a trusted and respected voice across Texoma.
Her work extended beyond the courtroom, with a focus on education, faith and community involvement.
For her son, Dr. Troy Farris, her legacy continues to reach far beyond Wichita Falls.
“There’s at least one person in all 50 states who knows who Charlye Farris is. Even though she’s been gone for more than 15 years, people are still recognizing her legacy,” Farris said.
Those who knew Farris knew her legacy was never just about being first, it was about service and opportunity.
“She wasn’t just an active practicing lawyer, she was deeply involved in the community, she served on boards, was active in her church and was even a regent at Midwestern State University, despite growing up at a time when segregation would have prevented her from attending school there,” Macha said.
Her story continues to resonate today, reminding the community that history is not just something written in books but something lived. What Charlye O. Farris accomplished decades ago still echoes today, both in the courtroom and across the community.
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