Politics & Government

Letter to Editor: Late Senator Fought for Education, Justice for the Poor

Chair of Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee EJ Scott reflects on life of Senator Yvonne B. Miller who passed away today.

Dear Friends,

I am sorry to announce the passing of one of Virginia’s great elder States Women, Senator Yvonne B. Miller. Senator Miller pasted this afternoon, one day before of her 78th birthday. Please join me in celebrating the 4th of July, 2012 and Yvonne Miller’s life.

In Richmond, Senator Miller was a leader in the legislature and a champion for education and the disadvantage. In 1984, Miller became the first African American woman elected to the Virginia Legislature and four years later she became the first African American elected to the state Senate. This extraordinary Virginia Legislator representing Norfolk and Hampton Roads, then went on to become the first female to head a Commonwealth Senate committee. 

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I am saddened to loose a friend that I got to know in Denver during the 2008 convention. She was sitting on a bench outside the hotel. I walked over and asked if I could sit beside her and she replied, “Of course.” I introduced myself and she told me hr name was Yvonne.

We started to talk about how exciting it was to be in Denver to witness Barack Obama receiving the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. I’m embarrassed to admit that I did not recognize who she was. She spoke of not believing that this would happen in her life-time. I joked that it was not sure it would happen in mine either. We talked for a while and shared a few laughs.

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The next day we ran in to each other and talked again at breakfast. It was then I learned she was a Virginia State Senator.  She was an incredible person.

When I saw her again I told her I was on my way to be part of Ebony/Jet’s photo of the largest African American Delegation to attend a national party convention. I asked if she wanted to come with me and my friend, Voncille. She smiled that big smile and said, YES! Off we all went to the photo location.

I am so honored to have gotten to stand beside this outstanding Virginia public servant in that historic photo. When I say her at the Democratic Party of Virginia dinner last February, I asked if she was going to be in Charlotte. She said yes. So we agreed to hang out again. 

Senator Yvonne Miller will not only be remembered as a woman who broke down barriers in the Virginia legislature, and as the longest-serving woman in the state Senate, and certainly as a strong voice for justice for the poor. Senator Miller will be remembered as a good human being who lived her life to the fullest and always had a smile for someone like me. I will salute her on her birthday on the 4th of July and when I get to Charlotte in September.

Regards,
EJ Scott
Chair, Manassas & Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee


"We are not a country governed by the people. We are a country governed by the people who participate." Thomas Jefferson


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