The Mississippi Capitol building stands tall in Jackson. It has columns and a golden eagle on its roof. Among the building’s offices hangs a big, impressive of an even more impressive woman. Alyce Clarke became the first Black woman elected to the Mississippi in 1985.
Clarke was born in Mississippi in 1939. She graduated from Alcorn State University in 1961. Clarke started her career as a teacher. Later, she became a nutritionist. Nutritionists are experts who study food. They learn how it works in your body.
In 1985, Clarke joined the Mississippi House of Representatives. Her experience as a nutritionist shaped her time in government. Clarke worked to make sure people had healthy food. The leader took on other issues as well. She bettered education and improved the state’s highways.
After 39 years in the House, Clarke decided to . But first, Alcorn State University celebrated Clarke’s legacy with Representative Alyce Griffin Clarke Day. Tracy Cook is the president of the college. “Alyce Clarke is a legend,” he said. “Throughout her career, she has worked to make our state a better place,” the leader added. “She shattered glass ceilings.”
Clarke ended her final term in January 2024. On February 13, leaders honored Clarke with a portrait at the Mississippi Capitol. She is the first woman and the first Black person to have that state honor. A local Jackson artist named Ryan Mack painted Clarke’s portrait. The artwork was based on a photo of Clarke from 1985.
Clarke spoke about the artwork. “A portrait at the state Capitol,” she said. “All the little boys and little girls can see somebody that maybe looks like them,” Clarke added. “They can also see somebody who fought for Mississippi.”
Updated March 4, 2024, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Alexa Tirapelli
