Velveta Golightly-Howell

An Alabama native, Velveta Golightly-Howell and her siblings were born to nurturing and loving parents, Lonnie and Marie (nee, Brown) Golightly. Raised in the home built by their paternal grandfather just blocks from the University of Alabama (UA), their parents imbued in them faith, hard work, integrity, strength, respect, service, and resilience. At an early age, Velveta found her calling: using the knowledge, talents, and opportunities granted, she would work relentlessly for equality, social justice, and access for all. Howell served as Colorado’s first black female prosecutor and, afterwards, achieved “firsts” within the legal profession and the highest echelon of federal executive service.

Attending college at The Tuskegee Institute, she graduated magna cum laude within three years. At the University of Colorado School of Law, she played leadership roles and earned coveted legal internships. One of only two African Americans in her class, Howell became the eighth black female, and fifty-seventh African American, earning a Juris Doctorate.

“On a personal level, I am proud to have been married to my wonderful husband for 38 years and our two incredible sons. Professionally, I am proudest of having navigated the waters of the legal field, while gaining significant experience in criminal law, employment law, labor law, administrative law and civil rights law, without losing my commitment to making the world a better place.” — Velveta Golightly-Howell