Vanessa Summers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vanessa Summers
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Summers in 2020
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| Member of the Indiana House of Representatives from the 99th district |
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| Assumed office June 7, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph W. Summers |
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| Born | April 24, 1958 New York City, New York, United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Alma mater | Mid American College of Mortuary Science |
| Occupation | business owner |
Vanessa Joyce Summers, born on April 24, 1958, is an important leader in Indiana politics. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 1991, she has represented the 99th District in Indianapolis in the Indiana House of Representatives. She took over the seat after her father, Joseph W. Summers, passed away.
Like her father, Vanessa Summers has been re-elected many times by the people she represents. In 2012, she made history. She became the first woman and the first African-American person to lead the Democratic group in the Indiana House.
About Vanessa Summers
Her Early Life and Family
Vanessa Summers was born in New York City. Her parents, Joseph W. Summers and Joyce Benson Summers, both graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. This was a special school in Indianapolis for African-American students. Vanessa has a sister named Natalie.
Vanessa went to St. Mary's Academy for Girls. This was a private school that accepted African-American students at the time. Later, she studied at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. In 1981, she earned a degree in mortuary science. This degree is about the business of funeral services.
Her Career in Politics
Vanessa Summers comes from a family that served their community. Her father, Joseph W. Summers, started the Summers Funeral Chapels in 1962. He also worked as a deputy coroner in Indianapolis for many years. Her mother, Joyce Benson Summers, ran a flower shop called "Lucille's Flowers" for forty years.
In 1977, her father was elected to the state legislature. This was a part-time job. He represented the 99th district in Indianapolis until he passed away in 1991. Vanessa and her sister worked in their family's funeral home business. The business later joined with other local funeral homes. "Lavenia & Summers" still operates funeral homes in Indianapolis today.
When her father passed away, Vanessa Summers was chosen to fill his seat in the Indiana legislature. She served for the remaining eight months of his term. A fellow politician, Julia Carson, advised Vanessa to run for election herself. Vanessa won the election and has been re-elected many times since then.
She did not have opponents in the elections of 2014, 2016, and 2018. In 2010, she won against David T. Blank in her district, which mostly votes for Democrats. Vanessa Summers is a member of several important groups. These include the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and the National Black Caucus. She is also part of the Democratic party in Marion County.
Besides her work in the legislature, Vanessa Summers helps with other important programs. She helps coordinate the national Diabetes Prevention Program in Indianapolis. She has also worked with groups like the Amazing Grace Healthcare Coalition. She supported The ARC of Indiana, which helps people with intellectual disabilities. She also worked with the Julian Center shelter, which helps people affected by domestic violence.
Her Personal Life
Vanessa Summers is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. This is a Greek-letter organization for college-educated women. She is also a member of the NAACP, a civil rights organization. She attends the Light of the World Christian Church. Vanessa Summers has a son and a granddaughter.
