Current Role:
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for North Carolina's 12th congressional district (November 12, 2014–present)
Previous roles:
- Member, North Carolina House of Representatives, District 26/58 (April 1994–November 2014)
- Member, Greensboro City Council (1987–1994)
- Member, Greensboro City School Board (1984–1986)
Education:
- B.S., Art Education, North Carolina A&T State University (1969)
- M.S., Art Education, North Carolina A&T State University (1972)
- Ph.D., Art Education and Multicultural Education, Ohio State University (1981)
Background:
Born May 27, 1946, High Point, North Carolina; raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and Newark, New Jersey; daughter of Benjamin Shealey and Mattie Stokes; divorced with two children; known for wearing distinctive hats
Career:
Art professor and administrator at Bennett College; chair of the art department at Palmer Institute; director of Steel Hall Art Gallery; co-founder of the African American Atelier
Political positions:
Democratic Party; advocate for education, affordable housing, health care, women’s and children’s welfare; supports increased minimum wage, maternal health, and marijuana reform
Legislative achievements:
Co-founder, Black Maternal Health Caucus; led the Momnibus package on maternal health; launched the Adams’ Hunger Initiative; introduced the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act; championed affordable housing and HBCU funding
Controversies:
No major personal controversies; relocated residence after 2016 redistricting to remain in the 12th District
Biography (100 words):
Alma S. Adams has represented North Carolina’s 12th congressional district in the U.S. House since 2014, after two decades in the North Carolina House. Born in High Point in 1946, Adams holds a Ph.D. in art education and served as a college professor and gallery director before entering politics. She is a longtime advocate for education, affordable housing, and women’s health, co-founding the Black Maternal Health Caucus and championing maternal health legislation. Known for her distinctive hats, Adams has focused on combating child hunger, supporting HBCUs, and expanding affordable housing. She resides in Charlotte and is divorced with two children.
