C. Virginia Fields facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clara A. L. Virginia Fields
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Fields in 2015
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| 25th Borough President of Manhattan | |
| In office January 1, 1998 – December 31, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Ruth Messinger |
| Succeeded by | Scott Stringer |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Clara Virginia Clark
August 6, 1945 (age 79) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Henry Fields
(m. 1971; div. 1985) |
| Alma mater | Knoxville College (1967) Indiana University (1969) |
Clara A. L. Virginia Fields, often known as C. Virginia Fields, was an important politician in New York City. She was born on August 6, 1945. She is best known for being the Borough President of Manhattan. She served two terms in this role, from 1998 to 2005.
Early Life and Education
Clara Virginia Clark was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She earned a degree in sociology from Knoxville College in 1967. Later, she received a master's degree in social work from Indiana University Bloomington in 1969.
In 1971, she moved to New York City and began working as a social worker. A social worker helps people and families solve problems in their lives. During the 1970s and 1980s, she held many jobs in social services. She also started to get involved in community politics.
Fields was active in the civil rights movement. This movement worked for equal rights for all people. Her participation in protests and marches helped her begin her work in social and political advocacy. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Political Career in New York
In 1989, Fields was elected to the New York City Council. This council is a group of elected officials who make laws for New York City.
In 1997, Fields was elected as the Manhattan Borough President. A Borough President leads one of New York City's five main areas, called boroughs. She was elected after Ruth Messinger finished her time in that role. As Borough President, Fields supported many cultural groups, like the New York Shakespeare Festival. She was in office during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
In 2005, Fields ran for mayor of New York City as a Democratic candidate. The mayor is the top leader of the city. She finished third in the primary election. This election helps choose which candidate will run for mayor from a political party.
In 2006, it was reported that Fields might run for a seat in the New York State Senate. This is a part of the state government that makes laws for New York State. However, she later decided not to run for that position.
After Politics
After her political career, Fields continued to work for her community. In 2008, she became the President and CEO of a non-profit group. This group was called the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA).
During her time there, the organization changed its name to the National Black Leadership Commission on Health, or "Black Health." It also started to focus on more health issues that affect Black Americans. She retired from this role in June 2024.
On June 19, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored her. He named that day "C. Virginia Fields Day." This day also happened to be the National Juneteenth Holiday.
See also
