Pinkie C. Wilkerson

Pinkie Carolyn Wilkerson (February 8, 1948 – August 1, 2000) was an American politician who served in the Louisiana House of Representatives in the 11th district from 1992 until her death on August 1, 2000.

Biography Wilkerson was born on February 8, 1948, in Grambling, Louisiana. She served as the Vice Chair of the Health & Welfare Committee, served on the Civil Law and Procedure and Judiciary Committees and was the first and only female chair of the Louisiana Legislative Rural Caucus. Wilkerson's focus in the legislature was on education, healthcare and social issues. She also sponsored seminars and awareness programs on diabetes, cancer, lupus, and heart disease.

Wilkerson also initiated the Youth Academy 2000, which is a series of skill classes that provide opportunities for children to learn alongside professionals in such areas as science, computers, mathematics, medicine, music, and entrepreneurship.

Death and legacy Wilkerson was killed on August 1, 2000, in a multi-car accident while she was stopped at a highway construction site on Interstate-20 in Bossier City, Louisiana

After Wilkerson's death, the African American National Bar Association established an award in her name. The Delta Sigma Theta sorority established the Pinkie C. Wilkerson Life Development Center in Grambling. In 2015, House Bill 140 dedicated the interchange of I-20 and LA 49 at Grambling to Wilkerson.