THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 2, 1995 TAG: 9502280115
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONYA WOODS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
In honor of Black History Month, she graces a poster with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and world-renowned track star Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee.
But state Sen. Yvonne Miller doesn't hold that spot for her clout in the entertainment industry or for her running abilities in international track and field meets.
Miller's track record includes breaking into politics by becoming the first black woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1983. She served the House's 89th District until she became the first black woman elected to a state senate in 1987.
These achievements gave her the clout to be labeled a ``strong woman'' for the fifth annual ``Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership'' poster presented by Virginia Power and North Carolina Power.
``I didn't know who was going to be on the poster with me until I saw it,'' Miller said. ``And when I saw it I was bowled over by this great wonder. They are all really such extraordinary African-American people.''
Miller has been instrumental in helping pass legislation for better education, day-care facilities and family life.
``One of my biggest accomplishments was breaking ice in both houses,'' said Miller, who gave up her position as head of the Early Childhood/Education Department at Norfolk State University to become a professor when she was elected to the state Senate. ``Because I'm in education I can be a force in passing legislation that can make life better for children.''
After earning her bachelor's degree from Virginia State University, Miller taught first grade at Young Park Elementary School in Petersburg from 1956 to 1966. She earned her master's degree from Columbia University in New York City and a doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
She has been a member of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and a member of the National Caucus of Black Legislators.
Miller grew up in Norfolk, the firstborn of 13 children in her family. In her political career, she was the first black woman to serve on the Senate Commerce and Labor Commission, which deals with insurance, banking and labor union situations in Virginia.
``I've really enjoyed working on this committee because I wanted to increase my understanding of such matters and broadened my background since I've been in the Senate.''
As the 28-by-24 1/2-inch ``Strong Men & Women'' poster hangs on the walls of public and school libraries and colleges across Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, Miller hopes to expand her political following. Miller said she encourages community groups, school groups and service organizations to visit her in Richmond so they can learn how their government works.
``Part of my mission is to continue to have a steady stream of people visiting the assembly so they can learn to come together on issues that affect them and the people they love,'' she said.
Another mission Miller is pursuing is getting enough ``Strong Men & Women'' posters because she has some special fans to give them to.
``I have a very large family, and I would like to get one for all of them,'' she said. ``I don't have many of the posters myself, but I've requested as many as they could spare.''
The ``Strong Men & Women: Excellence in Leadership'' poster series began in 1991 as an educational resource for Black History Month. The popularity of the two original posters, which depicted 35 historical black men and 30 historical black women, drove Virginia Power to produce annual black history posters.
The poster took on a more contemporary style in 1992 to show young people the strength and endeavors of living people who are making contributions to society.
Other notable Virginians who have appeared on the posters in past years include former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and Hazel R. O'Leary of Newport News, a former U.S. Secretary of Energy. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
by CNB