Alma Adams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alma Adams
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 12th district |
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| Assumed office November 12, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Mel Watt |
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office April 1994 – November 4, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Herman Gist |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Johnson |
| Constituency | 26th district (1994–2003) 58th district (2003–2014) |
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| Born |
Alma Shealey
May 27, 1946 High Point, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | North Carolina A&T State University (BS, MS) Ohio State University (PhD) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Alma Shealey Adams (born May 27, 1946) is an American politician. She represents North Carolina's 12th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. As a member of the Democratic Party, she has served in Congress since 2014.
Before joining Congress, Adams was a college professor and an artist from Greensboro. She is famous for the many colorful and unique hats she wears. When she was first elected, she became the 100th woman to serve in the 113th Congress.
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Early Life and Schooling
Alma Adams was born on May 27, 1946, in High Point, North Carolina. Her mother, Mattie Stokes, worked as a domestic worker and raised her. As a child, Alma's family moved first to Baltimore, Maryland, and then to Newark, New Jersey. She graduated from West Side High School in Newark in 1964.
For college, Adams returned to North Carolina. She attended North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1969 and a master's degree in 1972, both in art education. Later, in 1981, she earned a Ph.D. in art education from Ohio State University.
Career as an Artist and Teacher
After finishing her master's degree, Adams taught art to middle and high school students. She later became a professor at Bennett College in Greensboro, where she taught art until 2012. She was also the director of the college's art gallery.
In 1990, Adams and another artist, Eva Hamlin Miller, started the African American Atelier. This organization helps people learn about and enjoy the art and culture of African Americans.
Starting a Career in Politics
Adams first entered politics by serving on the Greensboro City School Board from 1984 to 1986. After that, she was a member of the Greensboro City Council from 1987 to 1994.
In 1994, she was chosen to fill a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives after the representative, Herman Gist, passed away. She represented a district in Greensboro for 20 years. During her time in the state government, she was a leader in the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. This group supports students who attend the state's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Serving in the U.S. Congress
Getting Elected to Congress
In 2013, the congressman for North Carolina's 12th district, Mel Watt, left his job. Adams decided to run in a special election to take his place. In November 2014, she won the election and became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
When she was sworn into office, Adams became the 100th woman serving in that session of Congress, which was a new record. She is the second woman of color to represent North Carolina in the U.S. House. The first was Eva Clayton.
In 2016, the boundaries of her district were changed. Her home in Greensboro was no longer in the 12th district. To continue representing the district, she moved to Charlotte, which is now the main city in her district. She has won re-election several times since then.
Work in the House of Representatives
As a congresswoman, Adams works on several important issues. She is a co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, which focuses on improving the health of Black mothers and babies.
In 2022, Adams helped introduce the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act. This law would help protect historic African American cemeteries across the country. She has also voted to provide support to Israel.
Adams is a member of several groups in Congress, called caucuses. These groups work on specific topics. Some of the caucuses she belongs to are:
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Black Maternal Health Caucus
She also serves on important committees that write and review laws:
- Committee on Agriculture
- Committee on Education and Labor
- Committee on Financial Services
Personal Life
Adams is divorced and has two children. She is famous for her large collection of hats. She owns over 900 of them and is often seen wearing one.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
Images for kids
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Adams speaks in support of a bill to improve the health of Black mothers in 2020.
