Sandra Hollins (1970- )

Sandra Hollins (1970- )

Sandra Hollins is the first African American woman to serve in the Utah State Legislature. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 11, 1970 to Iola Robinson-Seals and Freddie Seals II.  In 1988, Hollins graduated from McDonough #35 High School and enrolled in...
Bettye Davis (1938-2018)

Bettye Davis (1938-2018)

Bettye Jean Davis (née Ivory), a social worker and politician, became the first African American woman elected to the Alaska State House of Representatives and the first African American elected to the Alaska State Senate. Davis was born in Homer, Louisiana on May 17,...
Irene McCoy Gaines (1892-1964)

Irene McCoy Gaines (1892-1964)

Irene McCoy Gaines was a civil rights activist and a community leader. Born October 25, 1892, in Ocala, Florida, to Charles and Mamie McCoy, she had one older sister who died while Gaines was a child. Her family moved to Chicago, Illinois, when she was an infant. In...