C. Virginia Fields facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clara A. L. Virginia Fields
|
|
|---|---|
Fields in 2015
|
|
| 25th Borough President of Manhattan | |
| In office January 1, 1998 – December 31, 2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Ruth Messinger |
| Succeeded by | Scott M. 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) |
C. Virginia Fields (born August 6, 1945) is an American politician. She is best known for serving as the Borough President of Manhattan. This means she was a top leader for one of New York City's main areas. She held this important job for two terms, from 1998 to 2005.
| Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Early Life and Learning
Clara Virginia Clark was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents were Peter and Lucille Clark. She went to Knoxville College in Tennessee. There, she earned a degree in sociology in 1967. She then studied at Indiana University Bloomington, getting another degree in 1969.
In 1971, she moved to New York City. She started working as a social worker. This job helps people and families in need. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she worked in different social service roles. She also became active in community politics.
Fields was involved in the civil rights movement. She took part in protests and marches. This was the start of her work for social change. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority.
Political Career in New York
In 1989, C. Virginia Fields was elected to the New York City Council. This group helps make laws for New York City.
In 1997, she became the Borough President of Manhattan. She took over from Ruth Messinger. As Borough President, Fields supported many cultural groups. These included the New York Shakespeare Festival. She was in office during the September 11 attacks.
In 2005, Fields ran for mayor of New York City. She was a candidate for the Democratic party. She finished third in the primary election.
In 2006, Fields considered running for the New York State Senate. This seat would represent Harlem and parts of Upper Manhattan. However, she later decided not to run.
After Politics
In 2008, Fields became the leader of a non-profit group. It was called the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. Later, the group changed its name to the National Black Leadership Commission on Health ("Black Health"). It also expanded its focus. It started to include other health issues that affect Black Americans.
She retired from Black Health in June 2024. New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored her work. He named June 19, 2024, "C. Virginia Fields Day." This day also happened to be the National Juneteenth Holiday.
See also
