Born in Brandon, Mississippi, on March 19, 1954; Tougaloo College (B.A.); Atlanta University (M.A., Ph.D.); Certificate in Management Development, Harvard University; Certificate in Archives Administration Emory University/Georgia Department of Archives and History ; Professor Emeritus Of Political Science, Hampton University; member: Roman Catholic Church; Roman Catholic Church; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., life member; Links, Incorporated; Transitions (Family Violence Services), board member; NAACP, subscribing gold member and former executive board member; TowneBank, former board member; Mayor of Hampton, 2000-2004; City Council, 1996-2000; Vice Mayor, 1998-2000; Fulbright Hays Award (American University in Cairo); Outstanding Public Service Award, Conference of Minority Public Administrators; Martin Luther King Memorial Award, Old Dominion University; Lawrence Bethel Woman of Courage Award, 100 Black Men of America; Marguerite Adams Award for Political Action, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Peninsula Women's Forum, Thomas Nelson Community College, Outstanding Woman in Government; Outstanding Young Women of America; Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, Hampton University; Humanitarian Award, NCCJ; Trailblazer Award, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; Citizen of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Recipient, Diane Blair Award, Outstanding Achievement in Politics and Government, Southern Political Science Association; Trailblazer Award, Virginia Leadership Institute; Legislator of the Year - Virginia Court Clerk's Association, Virginia Education Association, Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals; Strong Men and Strong Women in Virginia History, Library of Virginia/Dominion Resources; William H. Butts Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Disability Community; Virginia Chamber of Commerce Military and Veterans Affairs Advocate Award; NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Defender of Choice Award; Legislator of the Year, Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists; Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Champion of Free Enterprise Award; Member of the Senate: 2004-