Vanessa Summers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vanessa Summers
|
|
|---|---|
.png)
Summers in 2020
|
|
| Member of the Indiana House of Representatives from the 99th district |
|
| Assumed office June 7, 1991 |
|
| Preceded by | Joseph W. Summers |
| Personal details | |
| 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 is a Democratic politician. She serves in the Indiana House of Representatives. She represents the 99th District in Indianapolis. She was first appointed to this role in 1991. This happened after her father, Joseph W. Summers, passed away.
Like her father, Vanessa Summers has won re-election many times. In 2012, she made history. She became the first woman to lead the Indiana House Democratic Caucus. She was also the first African-American to hold this position.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Vanessa Summers was born in 1958. Her parents were Joseph W. Summers and Joyce Benson Summers. They both graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. This was the only high school for African Americans in Indianapolis at the time.
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. She later attended Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. In 1981, she earned a degree in mortuary science.
Family Business and Community Roots
Vanessa Summers' family has a long history in Indianapolis. In 1962, her father started Summers Funeral Chapels. He also worked as Indianapolis' deputy coroner for many years. Her mother, Joyce, ran a flower shop called "Lucille's Flowers" for 40 years.
In 1977, her father was elected to the state legislature. This was a part-time job. He represented the 99th district until his death in 1991. Vanessa and her sister worked in the family funeral home business. The business later merged with other local funeral homes. However, "Lavenia & Summers" still operates funeral homes in Indianapolis today.
Her Career in Politics
After her father's death, Vanessa Summers was appointed to his seat. She served the remaining eight months of his term. The Indiana legislature was evenly split between Republicans and Democrats then.
Julia Carson, another politician from Indianapolis, advised Vanessa. Following this advice, Vanessa ran for election on her own. She won and has been re-elected many times since. She often ran without opponents in her district. This district is mostly Democratic.
Vanessa Summers is an active member of several groups. She belongs to the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. She is also part of the National Black Caucus. She is involved with the Marion County Democratic party.
Helping the Community
Beyond her work in the legislature, Vanessa Summers helps her community in other ways. She helps coordinate the national Diabetes Prevention Program in Indianapolis. This program teaches people how to prevent diabetes.
She has also worked with other important organizations. These include the Amazing Grace Healthcare Coalition. She also supported The ARC of Indiana. This group helps people with intellectual disabilities and their families. She has also worked with the Julian Center shelter. This center provides help for victims of domestic violence.
Personal Life
Vanessa Summers is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. This is a historic sorority for African-American women. She is also a member of the NAACP. This organization works for civil rights. She attends the Light of the World Christian Church. Vanessa has a son and a granddaughter.
Images for kids
-
Vanessa Summers in 2020
