- JD, Harvard Law School, 1993
- BA, Government, Harvard University, 1990
- Candidate, Alabama State Governor, 2010
- Candidate, United States House of Representatives, 2000
- House Democratic Whip, United States House of Representatives
- Representative
- Attorney, Civil Rights, 1998-2002
- Assistant United States Attorney, 1994-1998
- Clerk, U.S. Senator Howell Heflin
- Clerk, Judge Myron F. Thompson, 1993-1994.
- Experience, Southern Poverty Law Center
- Co-Chair, New Democrat Coalition
- Member, Congressional Black Caucus
- Member, New Democratic Network
