Una Clarke, the trailblazing politician and advocate, has decided to return to her homeland of Jamaica after decades of impactful service in the United States.
The Honorable Una S.T. Clarke celebrated her 90th birthday on December 2, 2024, and has now chosen to spend her later years contributing to the development of her native country.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Clarke explained her motivation: “I think I can still make a meaningful contribution to the development of my country. I particularly feel that I can help improve the conditions of elderly Jamaicans who seem to be marginalized because they are no longer young.” She also shared that her decision was deeply personal, emphasizing that she has given “strict instructions to my family that I do not wish to be buried on foreign soil.”
Clarke has maintained strong connections to Jamaica over the years, including friendships with prominent figures such as former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.
Born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Clarke migrated to the United States as a foreign student in 1958. She made history in 1991 by becoming the first Caribbean-born woman elected to New York City’s legislature, where she served for 10 years. During her tenure, she sponsored over 300 pieces of legislation addressing issues such as child welfare, education, health, mental health, public safety, and economic development.
As a councilmember, Clarke directed millions of dollars toward education, upgrading schools in her district to be technologically advanced with computer labs and multimedia programs. She expanded services for the elderly, rebuilt parks and playgrounds, and improved access to quality childcare programs. Clarke also championed immigrant rights, leading citizenship and voter registration drives, and advocating for just immigration laws. Her efforts extended beyond her district, as she became a tireless advocate for U.S. foreign policy that benefited the Caribbean, particularly in trade matters.
In 2015, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York (CUNY). She represented Brooklyn’s 40th Council District for 10 years, starting in 1991. Clarke served as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1992. In 1996, she was one of six New Yorkers appointed to the National Platform Committee of the Democratic Party.
In 2001, Clarke was appointed by then Governor George Pataki as Director of the Empire State Development Corporation for the Borough of Brooklyn. She is a member of the Diocesan Council for the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island and was named to the Board of Trustees for Nazareth Regional High School after her successful efforts to save the school from closure. She was also appointed a trustee of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.
Clarke was the first foreign-born recipient of Columbia University’s prestigious Charles H. Revson Fellowship in 1984, the first time the fellowship was ever presented to someone over age 35. She was the first Caribbean-born woman to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2001.
Clarke’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was awarded the Commander of the Order of Distinction (C.D.) by the Jamaican government in 1999 and received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2001. An educator by profession, Clarke holds degrees from Long Island University and New York University, with additional studies at Columbia University. In 2005, she was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Technology in Jamaica.
Clarke’s legacy of advocacy continues through her daughter, Yvette Clarke, who serves as a U.S. congresswoman representing New York. Now back in Jamaica, Una Clarke is eager to channel her experience and passion for public service into initiatives that will benefit the island nation, particularly its elderly population. Her decision to return underscores a lifelong commitment to her roots and to uplifting the lives of others.
