I was born in New Orleans and raised in St. Petersburg to educator parents who instilled a strong sense of justice and believed in public service. After graduating from Bishop Barry High School (now known as St. Petersburg Catholic High School) I obtained a Bachelors degree from Xavier University of New Orleans and my law degree from University of Florida. I became the first African American prosecutor in Pinellas County and practiced law in my own firm. I lived in Chicago for several years under the mentorship of the civil rights activist priest, Father George Clements. After returning to Florida I was elected President of the St. Petersburg Branch NAACP where for 3 terms over 5 years I led the charge for justice and people's rights. I continued to serve the public by being selected to the transition teams of Attorney General and then Governor Charlie Crist.