C. J. Prentiss facts for kids

Quick facts for kids C.J. Prentiss
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 21st district
In office January 5, 1999 – December 31, 2006
Preceded by	Jeff Johnson
Succeeded by	Shirley Smith
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 8th district
In office January 3, 1991 – December 31, 1998
Preceded by	Ike Thompson
Succeeded by	Shirley Smith
Personal details
Born	(1941-06-06)June 6, 1941
Died	April 2, 2024(2024-04-02) (aged 82) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Michael Charney

Carolyn Jean Prentiss (June 6, 1941 – April 2, 2024), known as C.J. Prentiss, was an American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. Prentiss served in the Ohio State Senate from 1999 to 2007. During her time there, she was the Minority Leader. This meant she was the main leader for her party in the Senate.

Early Life and Education

C.J. Prentiss grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Her family was very active in fighting for civil rights. Her father worked to help Black people find jobs. He was also involved in efforts to end segregation. C.J. and her mother attended the historic March on Washington in 1963. This event was a big step in the Civil Rights Movement.

Prentiss was dedicated to her education. She earned two degrees from Cleveland State University. She also received a special certificate in Administration from Kent State University. Later, she studied at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management.

Political Career and Achievements

C.J. Prentiss had a long and important career in Ohio politics. She worked hard to represent the people of her state.

Early Political Involvement

In 1976, Prentiss was one of the few Black women involved in the Cuyahoga Women’s Political Caucus. This group worked to support women in politics. Later, she became a delegate for Jesse Jackson at the Democratic Convention in 1984. She then helped lead the Cleveland Rainbow Coalition.

Serving in the Ohio State Legislature

From 1985 to 1990, Prentiss served on the Ohio State Board of Education. She was known for her work in education. She spent eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives. After that, she served another eight years in the Ohio State Senate. In the Senate, she represented many areas around Cleveland.

Prentiss held several important leadership roles. She was the first female president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus. She was also the second African-American woman to lead the Democratic Party in the Ohio Senate.

Focus on Education and Equality

Prentiss was a strong supporter of people who needed help the most. She worked on many committees. She led efforts to create new laws that helped close the learning gap between Black and white students. She also helped get money for full-day kindergarten and smaller class sizes. Her goal was to improve education for all students.

Under her leadership, a national group published a report. This report focused on improving education for African American children. It helped make the "achievement gap" a national topic. Prentiss also helped start Policy Matters Ohio. This group works on economic policies for the state.

Later Career and Legacy

In 2007, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland chose Prentiss as his Special Education Adviser. She also appeared on a TV show called 30 Days. On the show, she discussed what it was like to live on a minimum wage.

C.J. Prentiss passed away in Cleveland on April 2, 2024, at the age of 82. She is remembered for her dedication to public service and her work in education.