Jimmy Belvin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma | |
| In office 1948–1975 | |
| Preceded by | William A. Durant |
| Succeeded by | David Gardner |
| Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 20th district | |
| In office 1961–1965 | |
| Preceded by | Keith Cartwright |
| Succeeded by | Roy Grantham |
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 20th district | |
| In office 1955–1961 | |
| Preceded by | James Douglas |
| Succeeded by | Sam Sullivan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Harry James Watson Belvin December 11, 1900 Boswell, Indian Territory |
| Died | September 19, 1986 (aged 85) Durant, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lucille Brightwell |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Southeastern Oklahoma State University (BS) University of Oklahoma (MEd) |
Harry James Watson "Jimmy" Belvin (1900 – 1986) was a Native American educator who served as an Oklahoma State Representative and Senator. He was the first elected principal chief of any of the Five Civilized Tribes in the 20th century, and the longest serving principal chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He saw his tribe through termination, restoration, and a rebirth of Native Pride. He was a polarizing leader, seen by some as a semi-dictator who held onto the office of principal chief and used his power to advocate for complete assimilation into the dominant society, suppressing Choctaw traditions, language and ceremonial practices as undesirable remnants of an unrefined history.[1] To others, he was a well-liked, populist leader, who went door-to-door talking with tribe members, informing them on issues, and trying to develop the means the alleviate the poverty and unemployment they faced.[2]
- ^ Akers, Donna L. (2013). Culture and customs of the Choctaw indians. Santa Barbara: Greenwood. p. 153. ISBN 978-0-313-36401-3. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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