The Honorable James Coleman ‘56

Was elected in 2002 as a Supreme Court Justice of the State of New York, Second District,(Kings and Richmond County).

The Honorable Pamela Bridgewater ‘68

Is the longest-serving U.S. diplomat in South Africa and the first African-American woman to be appointed consul general in Durban, South Africa. Her service has included stints in Brussels, Belgium; Kingston, Jamaica; Nassau, The Bahamas; and Cotonou, Benin. The Honorable Bridgewater was appointed U.S. deputy assistant secretary for African Affairs in 2002 to manage the African bureau's relationships with 16 countries in West Africa, economic/commercial policies and programs, and public diplomacy program. Recognized for her innovative approach to promoting U.S. business interests in Benin specifically and Africa overall, Bridgewater was selected as the recipient of the 2002 Charles E. Cobb, Jr. Award for Initiative and Success in Trade Development.

Named one of the "75 Top Black College Students in America" by Black Enterprise magazine in 1975, 26 years later, the Honorable Roger L. Gregory became the first African-American appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The Fourth Circuit encompasses the states of Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. It has the highest percentage of African-American residents of any Circuit in the nation. Among his varied awards and recognitions, Judge Gregory has been named one of "Virginia's Top 25 Best and Brightest" by Commonwealth magazine and one of the "56 Most Intriguing Blacks of 2001" by Ebony magazine.

Served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1986 until she retired in 1997. She is perhaps best known for her advocacy of gun control legislation and public education. She has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including National President, Virginia State University Alumni Association and Member, Virginia State University Board of Visitors, to which she was appointed by former Virginia Governor Chuck Robb.

Is the first African-American woman elected to serve as a State Treasurer in the United States and the first African-American woman elected to a statewide office in Connecticut. Elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006, Treasurer Nappier is also the only woman to be elected Treasurer in Connecticut history. Treasurer Nappier was named as one of the nation’s 100 Most Influential People in Finance by Treasury & Risk Management magazine and one of the 50 Most Powerful Black Women in Business by Black Enterprise.

Senator Yvonne B. Miller ‘56

Became the first African-American woman elected to the Virginia Senate in 1983. Four years later, the event was repeated when she became the first African American woman elected to the State Senate in 1988. She also became the first woman to chair a Senate committee in 1996, and is the only woman with the longest service in the Senate. Her committee assignments have included 1) Commerce and Labor; 2) Transportation; 3) Rehabilitation and Social Services; and 4) General Laws.

Annie Mickens ‘72

Mayor of Petersburg, Virginia

Member of the Virginia House of Delegates (representing the 63rd District)
Former Mayor of Petersburg, Virginia.

First female to serve on the Petersburg City Council and first female to become Mayor of Petersburg, Virginia

First African-American to serve on the Chesterfield County School Board.