Arthenia Joyner

Senator Arthenia L. Joyner is a dynamic individual whose personal life reads like a chronicle of the struggle for equal justice. She has not just lived history, she made it. Senator Joyner is Of Counsel at Swope, Rodante P.A. in Tampa, FL, practicing in the area of personal injury. Born in Lakeland FL and reared in Tampa, she grew up in a time of segregation and has always been determined to end it.

Senator Joyner began her long march for equality as a high school student in Tampa protesting for change as a participant in the Woolworth lunch counter demonstrations. That journey took her to jail cells in Tallahassee during her undergraduate years at Florida A&M University when she was twice arrested for demonstrating against segregation and spent 14 days in the Leon County, FL jail.

When president of the National Bar Association, she was arrested for protesting apartheid outside of the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C. in 1985.

Joyner entered politics in the early ‘70s when she chaired in Tampa the Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign, Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, and co-coordinator of Lawton Chiles’ 1990 gubernatorial campaign, and Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign.

A graduate of Florida A&M University College of Law, she was Florida’s fifth Black female lawyer, the first Black female lawyer in Hillsborough County, the first Black lawyer in Polk County, the first Black female lawyer to serve on the board of the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the first Black attorney appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, the first Black female appointed to the Board of Directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the first Black female State Representative and State Senator elected from Tampa, the first Black female Minority Leader in the Florida Senate. Senator Joyner has practiced law for fifty-six (56) years – longer than any Black woman in the history of Florida.

Her most prestigious appointments came from President Clinton, including the U.S. Delegation to the International Population Development Conference in Cairo, Egypt (1994) and the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China (1995). She is widely recognized for her leadership on women’s and human rights issues and her relentless passion for justice, truth, and equal rights. The Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa-Hillsborough Library Board in 2018 celebrated her many contributions to Florida and the community by naming its new $9.3 million library in her honor.

Legislative Offices and Appointments

Minority (Democratic) Leader, Florida Senate, 2014-2016
Member – NCSL Criminal Justice Committee, 2015-16, 2004-2005
Florida Legislative Black Caucus, Chair, 2012-13; Vice Chair, 2011-2012
Minority (Democratic) Leader Pro Tempore, Florida Senate 2010-2012
Senator, Florida Senate, 2006 – 2010; re-elected 2010 & 2014
Commission on Capital Cases, June, 2010
Public Service Commission Nominating Council, January, 2009 – November, 2010
American Association of Blacks in Energy, 2010-2016
State Director, Women in Government, 2010-2016
NCSL Advisory Council, Women’s Legislative Network, 2009-2012
National Vice President, National Organization of Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL/Women), 2009-2016
2009 National Summit on Fair and Partial State Courts with Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Peggy Quince
Chair, Pinellas County Legislative Delegation, 2009-10
Chair, Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation, 2007-08
Chair, Telecommunications, Science, and Technology Policy Committee, National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), 2007
Representative, Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2006
Democratic Whip, Florida House of Representatives, 2002-2004
Democratic Policy Chair, Florida House of Representatives, 2004-2006

Presidential Appointments

Senior Advisory Council, Justice-Civil Rights Transition Cluster, Clinton-Gore Administration, 1993
U.S. Delegation World Population and Development Conference, Cairo, Egypt, 1994
U.S. Delegation United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, China, 1995
Federal Aviation Administration Management Advisory Council, 1999-2000

Professional Affiliates

National Bar Association, Life Member
American Bar Association
The Florida Bar
Hillsborough County Bar Association Board of Directors
Florida Association of Women Lawyers
American Judicature Society
National Association of Bond Lawyers, 1991-2001
Hillsborough County Association of Women Lawyers
Florida Bar Probate Rules and Guardianship Committee, 1984-1990
Hillsborough County Bar Probate Committee, 1984-1995
Board of Governors and Executive Committee, National Bar Association, 1973-1990; 1996-1997
Inaugural Member of the Commercial Law Section 1987
President, National Bar Association, 1984-85
President-Elect, National Bar Association, 1983-84
Treasurer, National Bar Association, 1973-1983
Chair, Hillsborough County Bar Association Program Committee,1987‑88
Chair, Hillsborough County Bar Law Day Luncheon, 1984; 1992-93
Hillsborough County Bar Association Law Day Committee,1982-84
American Bar Association House of Delegates, 1981-82, 1993‑1994
President, Florida Chapter National Bar Association, 1974-76
Vice President, Florida Chapter National Bar Association, 1972-74
Secretary, Florida Chapter National Bar Association, 1972-74
Florida Bar Grievance Committee, 1988-1992
Fellow, The American Bar Foundation
Judicial Nominating Commission, 13th Judicial Circuit
Chair, Judicial Nominating Commission, 13th Judicial Circuit, 1993‑94
Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for Florida, 1992-1996

Civic/Community/Fraternal/Charitable/Political Activities

Chair, Ruth’s List Florida, 2019-2020
Independent Oversight Committee of the Transportation Ballot Initiative, 2019
Commissioner, Constitution Revision Commission – Supreme Court Appointee, 2017-2018
Hillsborough County Public Safety Coordinating Council, 2004-2016
National Technology Adoption Advisory Council – 2012
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Advisory Council, Florida Council Against Sexual Violence – 2009
Lowry Park Zoo, Board of Directors, 2007-08
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Board of Trustees, 2007-08
Commissioner, Joint Center Health Policy Institute’s Dellums Commission, 2005-06
Allen Temple AME Church, Former Trustee
President, Bay Area Legal Service Board of Directors, 1983-84
Bay Area Legal Services Board of Directors, 1977-86, 1990
Helping Hand Day Nursery Board of Directors, 1978-86
Tampa Urban League Board of Directors, 1975
Travelers Aid Society, Inc. Board of Directors, 1980-88
Charter Member, Criminal Justice Planning Council of Hillsborough County, Florida 1974-84
Nursing Home Ombudsman Committee of Hillsborough County, Florida, 1975
Florida Probation & Parole Qualifications Selection Committee, 1977
YWCA Board of Directors, 1976-1977
Life Member, Greater Tampa Urban League
Life Member, NAACP
PUSH, 1984, 1999-2000
Board of Directors, League of Women Voters, Hillsborough County, 1986-1988
State Long Term Care Ombudsman Committee, 1984-1986
Citizen Advisory Committee Hillsborough County School Board, 1983-84
Hillsborough Community Housing Resource Board, 1984-85
Charter Member, National Political Congress of Black Women
President, Hillsborough County Chapter, Charmettes, Inc., 1986-87
Charter Review Board of Hillsborough County, Florida,1985‑86
Governor’s Task Force on the Black Family, 1986
Bay Community Players, Inc. Board of Directors, 1986-88
County Attorney Search Committee – Hillsborough County, Florida, 1985 & 1988
Maas Department Store Brothers Customer Advisory Board, 1987-88
National Legal Advisor, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., 1985-1992
President, Tampa Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.,1985-1987
Hillsborough County Governing Board of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, 1988
Founding President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Tampa Bay Chapter, 1987-1990
President, Charmettes, Inc., Hillsborough County Chapter, 1985-87
City of Tampa General Employees Pension Fund Board of Trustees, 1988‑1990
Civil Justice Foundation Board of Trustees, 1988-1989
Hillsborough County Partners in Progress Committee, 1989
Leadership Tampa Alumni
Leadership Florida Alumni
National Council of Negro Women, Tampa Chapter/Life Member
Athena Society, Inc.
Florida Supreme Court Racial and Ethnic Bias Commission, 1990‑91
Board of Governors, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce,1990‑1993
Executive Committee, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce,1990‑92
Founding Chair, Minority Economic Development Council, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 1990-1992
Network of Executive Women, Tampa, Florida, 1988-1991
Legal Counsel, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. 1992‑93
Governor’s Commission on Government for the People, 1991
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, 1991-1999
Chair, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, 1993-95
Board of Directors, Tampa Economic Development Board, 1992‑94
Overall Economic Development Committee of Hillsborough County, 1992-1994
Florida A&M University Foundation Board of Directors,1996-2000
Governor’s Commission on African-American Affairs, 1993-1994
Policy Board, Tampa Bay Partnership – Representing Tampa International Airport, 1993-1999
Vice-Chair, Steering Committee, Commissioners’ Roundtable, Airports Council International,
North America,1992‑1999
Legal Steering Committee, Airports Council International, North America, 1995-1999
Policy Board, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Committee of 100, 1992-1994
Chair, Minority Business Development, Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, 1992
Governmental Affairs Department Board, Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, 1994
Regional Workforce Development Board, 1996-1997
National Parliamentarian, The Links, Inc., 1997-2000
Board of Trustees, Advent Health Tampa f/k/a University Community Hospital, 1986-Present
U.S.-Japan Exchange on Women in Public Policy, Tokyo, Japan, 2001
Florida Prostate Cancer Network Advisory Board

Community/Civic Awards and Honors

2025 – Florida A&M University Board of Trustees Leadership Award
2025 – Spellman College Tampa Bay Area Chapter Blanche Armwood Legacy Award
2025 – Tampa Bay Rays Honoree “Jackie Robinson Day” First Ceremonial Pitch
2025 – Tampa Bay Lighting Puck Drop Honoree “Black Heritage Celebration”
2024 – The Tampa Bay History Center Dr. Bernard LaFayette Jr. History Award
2024 – Tampa Bay Suns FC Women’s Equality Honoree
2024 – USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Lifetime Acheivment Award
2023 – Leadership Florida Leroy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award
2023 – NBA Women Lawyers Division Supreme Court Swearing-in 40^th Anniversary Speakers’ Award
2023 – Virgil Hawkins Bar Association of Polk County Trailblazer Award
2022 – Hillsborough County Bar Association Outstanding Lawyer Award
2022 – Hillsborough County Bar Association Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee Justice and Diversity Lifetime Achievement Award
2022 – Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Women’s History Month Proclamation honoring Senator Joyner for her contributions and accomplishments
2021 – National Bar C. Francis Strafford Award – (Established in the early 1950s, the C. Francis Stradford Award is the NBA’s highest award and is presented to a person who has distinguished oneself. Specifically, whose leadership, integrity, legal skills, and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to his or her colleagues, and who has contributed richly to the legal profession).
2021 – Featured in the Museum of Florida History Exhibit – “Beyond the Vote: Florida Women’s Activism”, Tallahassee, FL
2021 – Florida Bar Solo and Small Firm Section Tradition of Excellence Award
2021 – Tiger Bay Club of Tampa Lifetime Achievement Award
2021 – Florida A&M University President’s Award
2020 – Hillsborough County Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award
2020 – Cooley Law School Black Law Students Association Distinguished Leadership Award
2019 – Shirley Chisholm Inaugural Leadership Award -TN House Minority Leader, 12/2019
2019 – Featured in Tampa Bay Times Weekly Conversation Column by Columnist Ernest Hooper, 9/27/19
2019 – Featured in The Influencer Magazine, Spring Edition
2019 – FJA Research & Education Foundation Beyond Excellence Award
2019 – Boys Scouts of America Whitney M. Young Jr. Award
2019 – Girls Scouts of West Central Florida Women of Distinction Hall of Fame Award
2019 – Alpha Phi Alpha GZL Chapter First of All Award
2019 – Derrick Brooks Charities Public Service Award
2019 – Black Women Business Owners, Executive & Entrepreneur (BWBOEE) Trailblazer Award
2018 – Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library named in her honor by the Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa-Hillsborough Library
2018 – University Area CDC Community Champion Award
2018 – Florida A&M University Tenacious Civil Rights Trailblazer Award
2018 – National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Passing the Torch Leadership Award
2018 – Aaron’s House Legends Award
2018 – AT&T 25^th Anniversary Florida Black History Trailblazing Social Justice Champion
2017 – Ruth’s List FL Action Inaugural Architect of Change Award
2017 – Visit Tampa Bay Tourism Champion Award
2017 – MLK Parade Foundation Drum Major For Justice Award
2016 – Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award-Bethune-Cookman University
2016 – Junior League of Tampa & WEDU Luminaries Award
2016 – FAMU College of Law Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award
2016 – University of South Florida Community Leader Kente Award
2016 – Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award
2016 – National League of Black Women Black Rose Award
2016 – Walk Through History “Black Girl Magic” Award – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
2016 – Tampa Bay’s 25 Most Powerful Politicians –St. Petersburg Blog
2016 – Florida A & M University National Alumni Association Legislative Trailblazer Award
2016 – The Links, Incorporated – 2016 Florida Links day at the Capitol – Advocacy Award
2015 – Bay Area YWCA Gems of the Community Award
2015 – National Bar Association Annual Prayer Breakfast named for its founder, Arthenia L. Joyner
2015 – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Day at Florida Capitol – 2015 Impact Award
2015 – Creative Loafing Best of the Bay Award – Best Show of Class in The Face Of Unfathomable Stupidity
2014 – Humanitarian of the Year Award-St. John Progressive M.B. Church
2014 – Farm Share Hunger Champion Award
2013 – Middle Class Champion Award-Florida Watch Action
2013 – National Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
2013 – St Petersburg Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Leading Lady Award
2012 – Recognition and Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service – 11^th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church
2012 – President’s Award, Florida A&M University
2012 – Teamsters National Black Caucus Trailblazers Award
2011 – Prodigy Community Champion Award
2010 – Cathedral of Faith Church, Inc. Elected Official of The Year
2010 – Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FMSTA) Legislator of the Year Award
2010 – Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Warrior For Women Award
2010 – Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, Inc. 37^th Anniversary Roe v. Wade Choice Award
2011 – Plant City Black Heritage Celebration, Inc. Appreciation Award
2010 – Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Patricia Roberts Harris Medallion for Excellence in Government
2009 – National Bar Association Hall of Fame
2009 – American Cancer Society Florida Division Legislative Award
2008 – Florida Bar Leadership Award
2008 – Derrick Brooks Charities Florida Consortium of Urban League Affiliates Public Service Leadership Award
2008 – National Bar Association Commercial Law Section, Cora T. Walker Legacy Award
2008 – Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County, Inc. Central Hillsborough Healthy Start Project Black Infant Health Practice Initiative Award
2008 – Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Outstanding Legislator Award
2008 – DACCO 2008 McKell Award
2007 – American Cancer Society Legislative Leadership Award
2007 – Florida Council Against Sexual Violence – Anne Gannon Warrior For Women Award
2007 – Tampa Bay Academy of Hope 2007 State Legislative Leadership Award
2007 – Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee Jefferson Jackson Award
2007 – Pinellas County Urban League 2007 Government Award
2006 – National Bar Association Legislative Lawyers Division, Rep. Pinkie Wilkerson Award
2006 – AFL-CIO Legislator of the Year Award
2006 – Tampa Branch NAACP Presidential Award
2006 – Bible-Based Fellowship Church “Living Legend Award”
2006 – St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church Service Award
2006 – Hillsborough County Sheriff & Tampa Urban League Salute to Leadership Award
2005 – The Florida A & M University Distinguished Community Service Award
2005 – NAACP Morris W. Milton Memorial Award – St. Petersburg Brunch
2005 – Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Rosemary Barkett Award
2005 – Florida A & M University, College of Law “Outstanding Graduate Award”
2005 – Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc., Legislator of the Year Award
2005 – Tampa ACORN “Representative of the Year Award”
2005 – Florida Association Mortgage Brokers, West Coast Chapter Appreciation Award
2005 – Ferrell Middle Magnet School “Trailblazer Award”
2004 – A. Philip Randolph Institute Distinguished Service Award
2004 – American Cancer Association Legislative Award
2004 – Pete Weitzel Friend of 1^st Amendment Special Recognition Award
2004 – Florida League of Conservation Voters “Gold Star Award”
2004 – American Heart Association Award of Excellence
2004 – Fleming Institute Legislative Leadership Fellow
2003 – USF Area Community Civic Association, Inc. Legislative Appreciation Award
2002 – Florida Consumer Action Network Consumer Champion Award
2001 – American Cancer Society 2001 Legislative Award
2001 – Florida Medical Association’s 2001 Outstanding Legislator
2001 – National Bar Association Equal Justice Award
2001 – Florida Association of Women Lawyers Rosemary Barkett Outstanding Achievement Award
2001 – Virgil Hawkins Bar Association Civil Rights Award
2001 – Polk County Chapter Fla. A&M Univ. National Alumni Association Leadership and Service Award
2000 – Florida Bar Celebration of Florida’s First 150 Women Lawyers and the First 5 African American Women Lawyers
2000 – WTMP Trail Blazer Award
1999 – Airport Minority Advisory Council Leadership Award
1998 – National Bar Association Presidential Award
1996 – National Bar Association Presidential Award
1995 – Women of Distinction-Suncoast Girl Scouts Award
1994 – Gertrude E. Rush Award – National Bar Association
1993 – The Pioneer Award, given by the National Bar Association at its 68th Annual Convention to the first five black women admitted to the Florida Bar
1993 – National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers’ Achievement Award
1993 – Lily Security Benefit Association of Florida & Georgia Leadership Award
1993 – George Edgecomb Bar Association, Inaugural Francisco Rodriguez Award
1993 – American Jewish Committee Project Interchange’s African American Leaders Seminar in Israel
1992 – Leadership Florida
1992 – National Bar Association, Women Lawyers Division, Founders Achievement Award
1992 – Inaugural Eunice Thompson Service Award, The Charmettes, Inc.
1991 – National Bar Association Presidential Award
1991 – College Hill Resident Council “Supporting The Struggle Award”
1990 – Award of Excellence, Democratic Women Clubs of Florida
1990 – Executive Woman of the Year, Network of Executive Women
1990 – Bay Area Brotherhood Martin Luther King Banquet Speaker Award
1989 – Earl M. Johnson, Sr. Award, Outstanding Service to Legal Profession, Community and Bar Association, Florida Chapter National Bar Association
1989 – Plant City Business and Professional Women Club Award for Dedication and Outstanding Performance
1988-89 – Leadership Tampa
1988 – Founder’s Day Speaker, Clearwater Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1988 – President’s Meritorious Service Award, Charmettes, Inc., Hillsborough County Chapter
1985-88 – Pro Bono Award, Bay Area Legal Services
1987 – Inducted into the College of Arts and Science Gallery of Distinction, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida
1987 – Outstanding Black Women Pioneer in Law Award, Tampa/St. Pete Links, Inc.
1987 – Governor’s Distinguished Black Floridian Award
1986 – Presidential Award, National Bar Association
1986 – Listed in The World Who’s Who of Women
1986 – Humanitarian Service Award, Charmettes, Inc., Hillsborough County Chapter
1985 – Who’s Who Among Black Americans
1985 – America’s “Top 100 Black Business and Professional Women” by Dollars and Sense Magazine
1985 – America’s “100 Most Influential Black Americans” by Ebony Magazine
1985 – Outstanding Achievement and Community Service Award, Eastgate Community Church
1985 – Outstanding Service Award, Miles Law School
1985 – Tampa Branch NAACP Human Rights Award
1984 – Meritorious Service and Achievement Award, National Funeral Directors and Morticians, Inc.
1984 – Women of Achievement Award, Downtown Tampa Business and Professional Women’s Club
1984 – Outstanding Leadership Award, Atlanta Chapter, Florida A & M University Alumni Association
1984 – Outstanding Service Award, Florida Chapter National Bar Association
1984 – Outstanding Financial Contribution Award, Tampa Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1983 – Outstanding Leadership Award, Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.
1982 – Presidential Award, National Bar Association
1977 – Outstanding Leadership Award, Florida Chapter National Bar Association
1973 – Who’s Who in Florida
1971 – Outstanding Young Women of America
1968 – Outstanding Leadership Award, Student Bar Association, Florida A & M University, College of Law
1967 – President, Student Bar Association, Florida A & M University, College of Law
1965-68 – Member, Moot Court Team, Florida A & M University, College of Law
1963 – Vice President, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Beta Alpha Chapter, FAMU
1961 – Consultant’s Award, Florida A & M University High School Press Workshop
1961 – Associate Editor, High School Newspaper and Yearbook
1959-61 – Member, National Honor Society

Legislative Awards and Honors

2017 – League of Women Voters Lifetime Achievement Award
2016 – Florida Sheriff’s Association Legislative Champion Award
2016 – Helen Gordon Davis Lifetime Achievement Award – HDEC
2016 – National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) Outstanding Elected Democratic Woman Holding Public Office
2016 – National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women Presidential Award
2016 – Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida Presidential Honor Roll
2016 – Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section Legislator Leadership Award
2016 – Florida Network of Youth and Family Services Chairman Leadership Award
2016 – Tampa City Council Commendation
2016 – Progress Florida Champions of Florida’s Middle Class Award
2016 – Florida Legislative Black Caucus Special Recognition of Senate Democratic Leader for Outstanding Dedication and Service
2016 – Florida Legislative Black Caucus Special Recognition for Leadership and Distinguished Honor of Being Florida’s First Black Woman Senate Democratic Leader
2015 – Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) Inaugural Legislator of the Year Award
2015 – Florida Dental Association Dr. Lewis Earle Legislative Award
2015 – National Black Caucus of State Legislators – Legislator of the Year
2015 – National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women) – Woman of the Year
2015 – Senate Victory Women in Politics Annual Dinner named for Senator Arthenia L. Joyner
2015 – Women in Government – State Directors Award, Southern Region
2015 – Florida League of Cities Defender of Home Rule Top Advocacy Award
2015 – Florida Sheriff’s Association Legislative Champion Award
2015 – Florida Association of Counties Leadership Award
2015 – Florida League of Cities’ Legislative Appreciation Award
2015 – Suncoast League of Cities Legislative Lifetime Achievement Award
2015 – Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Legislative Service and Leadership Award
2014 – Florida Association of Counties-County Champion Award
2014 – Florida League of Cities, Inc. Legislative Appreciation Award
2014 – Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. Legislative Advocacy Award
2014 – Florida Public Defender Association L. Clayton Nance Award
2014 – Florida Democratic Party – Recognition of Election as Senate Democratic Leader Award
2013 – National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL) Women of Distinction Award
2013 – The Florida Justice Association Perry Nichols Award
2013 – Florida Bar Legislative Award
2013 – Florida Police Benevolent Association. Inc. Legislative Champion Award
2013 – Florida Association of Counties County Champion Award
2013 – 19^th Annual Delta Days at the Capitol Honorable Carrie P. Meek Servant Leadership Award
2013 – 11^th Annual Mayor’s Brunch Award-Pittman Law Group
2012 – National Black Caucus of State Legislators Lifetime Achievement Award
2012 – Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of prisoner’s rehabilitation and sponsoring bills that target restoration of rights-Ambassadors Gavel Club of Okeechobee C.I.
2012 – Defender of Women’s Rights, American Civil Liberties Union
2012 – Legislative Public Safety Award – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
2012 – Legislative Leadership Award – University of South Florida
2012 – Legislative Appreciation Award – Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee
2012 – Florida League of Cities, Legislative Appreciation Award
2011 – Progress Florida, Florida Watch Action & America Votes Champions of Florida’s Middle Class Award
2011 – Shining Star for Public Education Award by Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association
2009 – Florida Bar Foundation Legislative Appreciation Award
2009 – The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged 2009 Legislator of the Year Award
2009 – The National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL/WOMEN) President’s Award
2009 – Florida Bar Legislative Award
2009 – Participant, GlobalPOWER Program, Center for Women Policy Studies
2009 – Alternatives to Incarceration Council (ATIC) Honor Roll
2009 – National Black Caucus of State Legislators 2009 Anheuser Busch Eagle Award
2008 – Florida Association of Counties County Champion Award
2007 – Trial Court Budget Commission Legislative Leadership Appreciation Award
2005 – Women Legislator’s Lobby Pacesetter Award
2005 – The Florida League of Cities Legislative Appreciation Award
2004 – Trial Court Budget Commission Service Award

Civil Rights Involvement

1960 – Student participant in first Civil Rights Demonstration in Tampa, Florida on February 29^th in an effort to desegregate lunch counters at Woolworth.
1963 – Participant in Civil Rights Demonstrations in May and September in Tallahassee, Florida (Student at Florida A & M University) in an effort to desegregate movie theaters and churches.
May 30, 1963 – Arrested and charged with trespass; charges dismissed
Sept. 13, 1963 – Arrested, charged with trespass, adjudicated guilty, fined $500, sentenced to 90 days; served 14 days; released after paying fine.
1985 – Arrested, at Lawyers Against Apartheid demonstration at the South African Embassy in January 8 Washington, DC; charges dismissed by the court.