Alyce G. Clarke (69)

Alyce G. Clarke is a Democrat who represented District 69 in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1985 to 2024. She was the first African-American woman elected to the Mississippi Legislature, serving as its longest-serving female member until her retirement. Notable achievements include founding a biracial, bipartisan Women’s Caucus in the 1990s, establishing state drug courts, advocating for sex education in schools, and leading the effort to create the Mississippi Lottery—named the Alyce G. Clarke Mississippi Lottery Law after 17–19 years of persistence. She was the first Black person and woman to have her portrait displayed in the Mississippi Capitol. Born in Yazoo City , she is married to Lee William Clarke, Jr., and is Baptist.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Alcorn State University; Tuskegee University. Occupation: Nutritionist and former schoolteacher.
• Political Experience: Elected in a 1985 special election; served 39 years until not seeking reelection in 2023 . Key committees: Appropriations, Banking and Financial Services, Drug Policy, Education, Gaming, Universities and Colleges, Youth and Family Affairs. Affiliations: Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alcorn Alumni, Jack & Jill of America, MS Public Health Association, Regional Association of Drug Free Schools and Communities, State PTA. Early efforts included establishing Born Free, a treatment center for pregnant women with drug/alcohol issues.