Name: Alice Harden
Graduation Year: 1970 (bachelor’s), 1977 (master’s)
Major: Health and Wellness: Physical Education
Senator Alice Harden was celebrated as a champion for her community as well as the state of Mississippi. It’s safe to say Alice Harden’s passion for education launched a political career. She became the first black woman to serve in the Mississippi Senate when she was elected in 1987 in District 28, which is in Hinds County. A former teacher and president of the Mississippi Association of Educators, Harden led a rally in 1985 for salary increases for the state’s teachers. The educators formed a strike and march on the Capitol, which ended with pay raises for Mississippi teachers. Harden was a fearless fighter who didn’t mince words, even calling then Governor Bill Allain to task stating he was “not showing any leadership” on the teacher pay issue. She fought diligently for all Mississippi children to have an opportunity to receive a good education. Harden passed away in 2012.