Jimmy Womack facts for kids

Reverend James Womack (born in 1953) is an American politician and a retired doctor. He is from Detroit, Michigan. From 2009 to 2013, he served in the Michigan State House of Representatives. He represented the 7th District. Along with his late wife, Dr. Sophie Womack, Jimmy Womack started a non-profit group called Coalition Inc. This group helps African-American families and children in Detroit. They work to improve living conditions and reduce family violence.

About Jimmy Womack

Jimmy Womack was born on November 30, 1953, in Washington, D.C.. He went to Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and earned his bachelor's degree in 1976. Later, he studied at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his medical degree in 1982.

His Medical Career

Dr. Womack became a specialist in anesthesiology. This is the field of medicine that helps patients feel no pain during surgery. He worked as a doctor in the Detroit area from 1982 to 1995. His wife, Dr. Sophie Womack, was also a respected doctor. She was in charge of the neonatology department at Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit. Neonatology is the care of newborn babies. Dr. Sophie Womack later became the first woman and first African-American to lead the staff at Detroit Medical Center.

Becoming a Minister and Helping the Community

In 1995, Dr. Womack stopped working full-time as a doctor. He decided to study to become a minister. In 1998, he became an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He and his wife started Coalition Inc. This non-profit organization works to make life better for people in the Detroit community. Sadly, his wife, Sophie, passed away in 2008 after surgery.

His Political Work

Before serving in the State House, Jimmy Womack was the President of the Detroit Board of Education. This board helps manage the city's schools.

Serving in the State House

In 2008, Womack decided to run for the 7th State House Seat. This seat represents a part of Detroit in the Michigan government. Many people ran for this position. Jimmy Womack won the election, getting the most votes. He then became a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives. In the State House, lawmakers create and vote on new laws for Michigan.

Committees He Joined

While in the State House, Womack served on several important committees. These groups focus on different areas of lawmaking.

• The House Families and Children's Services Committee works on laws that help families and kids.
• The Commerce Committee deals with business and trade laws.
• The Health Policy Committee focuses on healthcare laws.
• The Insurance Committee looks at rules for insurance.
• The Urban Policy Committee works on issues important to cities.