Cynthia Ann McKinney was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 17. Her father, Billy McKinney, was one of the first black police officers in Atlanta and he served in the Georgia legislature for 30 years. Her mother, Leola McKinney, had a long career as a registered nurse. Both were strong influences in Cynthia’s life.

Cynthia was an excellent student even in her early years, and she has maintained that academic excellence throughout her life. She earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in International Relations at the University of Southern California, and a Masters of Arts degree in Law and Diplomacy at the highly respected Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. She is completing her Ph.D. at the prestigious University of California at Berkeley.

At the urging of her Civil Rights fighting father, Cynthia entered into public life in 1988 when she was elected to the Georgia State Legislature. Cynthia made history in 1992 when she became the first African-American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from the state of Georgia. This would not be the last time that Cynthia would make history.

Cynthia has earned a reputation as a strong and principled fighter for human rights and a voice for the voiceless. She is viewed by a great many, both nationally and internationally, as the most courageous politician in America. While serving in Congress from 1992 – 2002, she has introduced, fought for, and helped to pass critical legislation that supported the rights of the people over corporate and political interests.

In 2002, Cynthia McKinney became one of the first Members of Congress to demand a thorough investigation into the events of September 11, 2001 and responsibly asked the question, "What did the Administration know and when did it know it about the events of September 11th?" She was vilified and targeted by Georgia and national Republicans.  As a result of her thought-provoking question, an estimated 40,000 Republicans used an unethical practice called “crossover voting” and they voted in the Democratic Primary to oust Cynthia. 

They thought they had silenced the voice of a warrior, but they were wrong.

In 2004, Cynthia McKinney once again ran for the seat she held for five terms. Against history, a crowded field of local politicians, a biased media, and all expectations she ran to represent the people and community that she loved so dearly. The people of the 4th District responded with an overwhelming and stunning victory for Cynthia. She proved that she is one of the most powerful, courageous, and influential politicians in America.

In 2005, Cynthia returns to the halls of Congress with 10 years of experience and an amplified voice. She is a force to be reckoned with. She remains unafraid to speak truth to power and stand for the interests of the people. Cynthia McKinney is an independent and brilliant thinker and she returns to Congress with the respect and admiration of people of all races, walks, and faiths all over the world.

Rep. Cynthia McKinney's Official Website

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