US Representative for Illinois' 7th district, a Democratic "bastion" where he has been elected for more than 20 years. Born in Parkdale,AK, September 6, 1941; B.A., Arkansas A.M. & N. College, 1961; M.S., Chicago State University, 1968; Ph.D., Union Institute, Cincinnati, OH, 1977; clerk, Chicago, Ill., Post Office, 1961-1965; teacher, Chicago Public Schools, 1962-1968; executive director, Greater Lawndale Conservation Commission, 1969; director of training, Martin L. King Neighborhood Health Center, 1969-1971; executive director, Westside Health Center, 1975-1981; alderman, Chicago, city council, 1979-1990; commissioner, Cook County, IL board, 1990-1996; college professor; unsuccessful candidate for the United States House of Representatives in 1984 and 1986; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fifth and to succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1997-present).