Sharon McPhail facts for kids

Sharon McPhail is an American lawyer and politician. She was a member of the Detroit City Council from 2002 to 2006. She also ran for mayor of Detroit in 1993 and 2005.

Before becoming a city council member, Ms. McPhail worked as a lawyer. She was a private practice lawyer and also worked for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. She was also an assistant United States attorney. In 2022, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Early Life and Education

Sharon McPhail was born and grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She went to Northeastern University. There, she earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in English and sociology. She also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Northeastern University School of Law. This degree is needed to become a lawyer. She became a licensed lawyer in Michigan in 1976.

Career Highlights

Ms. McPhail worked as a lawyer for Ford Motor Company. Later, she was a partner at a law firm. She also had her own private law practice.

She has been a leader in several legal groups. She served as president of the Wolverine Bar Association. She also led the National Bar Association. These groups support lawyers, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Sharon McPhail is also a member of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners. This group helps oversee the police department in Detroit. She is also a vice president for the Detroit Branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a civil rights organization.

Running for Mayor

In 1993, Sharon McPhail ran for mayor of Detroit. She was one of 23 candidates. She came in second place in the first election. Then, she ran against Dennis Archer in the main election. She did not win that election.

Ms. McPhail also worked to help people vote. She was a lawyer for a group that wanted to bring back voting rights for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. She also worked as a lawyer for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

2022 U.S. House Campaign

On March 15, 2022, Sharon McPhail announced she would run for Congress. She wanted to represent Michigan's 13th congressional district. This district was newly drawn to favor candidates from the Democratic Party.

Awards and Recognition

Sharon McPhail has received several important awards. Ebony Magazine named her one of the "100 Most Influential Black Americans." She also received the March of Dimes Humanitarian of the Year award. This award honors people who help others. She also got the National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award. This award is from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.