A Woman's Legacy: Senator Jeanne Hopkins Lucas

A true leader embodies the spirits of compassion and activism while capturing the hearts and minds of their constituents.  Senator Jeanne Hopkins Lucas of Durham was just such a leader, and is, for that reason, being honored at the second annual Senator Jeanne Hopkins Lucas Luncheon in Research Triangle Park on Saturday, June 25.

In 1993, Lucas became the first African American woman to serve in the North Carolina Senate. She was elected to seven terms of office and rose to become the first African American woman to serve as Senate Majority Whip and Senior Chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee on Public Instruction. progress in education. 

Prior to holding elected office, Senator Lucas was a classroom teacher in the Durham Public School system and later became the personnel director and public relations director. She served as the state president of the Association of Classroom Teachers and was inducted into the North Carolina Education Hall of Fame.

“She believed that each of us has something special to offer and that the role of education is the big difference maker in the life of a child, as they prepare for a successful adulthood and career,” North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue said. “I share her belief, and that is why I am fighting so hard to continue North Carolina’s progress in education."

A one-time scholarship worth $500 in the name of Senator Lucas will be awarded at the luncheon to a female African American high school senior to further her own education. This year’s theme is “A Woman’s Legacy."

For tickets or additional information on the annual Jeanne Hopkins Lucas Luncheon including sponsorship opportunities, go here.