Sen. Yvonne B. Miller
Dr. Yvonne B. Miller rose from humble beginnings in segregated North Carolina, growing up in a family of twelve siblings, to become a trailblazer in education and politics. A lifelong learner, she earned a Ph.D. in education and devoted her career to teaching and mentoring future educators. At Norfolk State University, Miller served as professor and head of the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, shaping the lives of countless students during her 31-year tenure. She retired in 1999 as professor emeritus, leaving a legacy of academic excellence and advocacy for educational equity.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Miller broke gender and racial barriers in public service. She became the first African American woman elected to the Virginia Senate and, at the time of her passing, was its longest-serving female member. Her leadership earned her a seat on the powerful Finance Committee and, in 1996, she became the first woman to chair a Senate committee—the Transportation Committee. Her influence on state policy was profound, particularly in education and transportation. In 1983, Miller became the first black woman to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. She won re-election and served two terms (from 1984–88). In 1987, she ran and was elected to her first four-year term in the Senate of Virginia. She was the first African American woman in Virginia to serve in each house. She was consistently re-elected to the Senate (last facing an opponent in 1995) and died in office.
Senator Miller’s achievements earned her recognition among the African American Trailblazers in Virginia History, cementing her status as a pioneer who opened doors for women and minorities in both education and government. A life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Senator Miller was actively involved with the Norfolk graduate chapter, Beta Theta Zeta. She was instrumental in establishing and supporting “Zeta Day at the General Assembly” in Virginia. Today, members of her sisterhood continue to honor her legacy and annually recognizes “Zeta Day” as a day of advocacy. Her life’s work reflects an unwavering commitment to learning, service, and the advancement of historically underrepresented communities