Trailblazer: Alyce Clarke’s Historic Milestone
Former Rep. Alyce Clarke made history as the first Black woman elected to the Mississippi Legislature.
On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, her pioneering achievement was honored with the unveiling of her official portrait in the state Capitol.
“Thank God, I’ve had more good days than I’ve had bad days,” Clarke said during the ceremony.
A Portrait of Legacy and Representation
Clarke’s oil painting, prominently displayed in the room where the House Education Committee meets, marks a significant milestone.
It is the first portrait of a Black person and a woman to adorn the walls of the Mississippi Capitol, previously adorned solely with portraits of former white male governors and House speakers.
The 84-year-old Democrat from Jackson served in the Legislature for 39 years before deciding not to seek re-election in 2023.
Her journey to becoming a trailblazer began in March 1985 when she won a special election, followed two years later by another Black woman, Democrat Alice Harden of Jackson, winning a seat in the Mississippi Senate.
Pioneering Contributions to Mississippi
Throughout her legislative career, Clarke championed various causes that left a lasting impact on the state.
Early on, she pushed to establish Born Free, a drug and alcohol treatment center for pregnant women, and later led efforts to establish Mississippi’s first drug courts.
Instrumental in Establishing State Lottery
One of Clarke’s most significant achievements was her instrumental role in establishing a state lottery.
After filing lottery bills for 19 years, legislators finally voted in 2018 to create a lottery to help pay for highways, naming the legislation the “Alyce G. Clarke Mississippi Lottery Law.”
“I’m a true believer and witness of the good she has done,” said artist Ryan Mack, who based the portrait on a photo of Clarke from the mid-1980s.
A Champion for Education and Advocacy
Clarke’s advocacy extended to education, persistently seeking support for her alma mater, Alcorn State University. Democratic Rep.
Robert Johnson of Natchez praised her unwavering commitment, recalling instances when she would inquire about his advocacy for the historically Black school.
With her portrait now gracing the Capitol, Alyce Clarke’s legacy as a trailblazer and champion for progress in Mississippi will continue to inspire generations to come.
