Bright, Louvenia Dorsey (b. 1941)

Name/Title

Bright, Louvenia Dorsey (b. 1941)

Entry/Object ID

1.2.12

Description

Born: November 21, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois Died: July 29, 2023 in Forest Park, Illinois Primary Residence: South Burlington Louvenia Dorsey Bright was the first African-American woman elected to the Vermont legislature (1989-1994).

Biographical Information

Biography

Louvenia Dorsey Bright was born in Chicago and educated in Michigan. A life-long educator, she took a teaching position in Colchester when her husband was hired as a professor of education at UVM. She eventually joined the UVM faculty as an associate professor of education. Bright ran for, and won, the district 6-3 seat representing South Burlington in the Vermont legislature. She became the first black woman to hold a seat in the Vermont legislature. And, along with Francis Brooks, was one of only two African-Americans in the legislature at the time. She served until 1994 when her family moved to Illinois.

Education

B.S. and M.Ed., Wayne State University (1964, 1971) CAS, UVM (1987)

Occupation

Educator Politician

Relationships

Related Places

Place

City

South Burlington

County

Chittenden County

State/Province

Vermont

Country

United States of America

Continent

North America