AKRON, Ohio — The Sykes family has a long history of public service in Ohio. Right now, at the Statehouse, Vernon Sykes is serving as a state senator from Akron and his daughter, Emilia, is the Minority Leader in the Ohio House of Representatives.


What You Need To Know

  • Emilia Sykes represents Ohio's 34th House District in Akron

  • Her parents, Vernon and Barbara, previously represented the district

  • Emilia still leans on her mother’s knowledge for guidance

But Emilia said it was her mother, Barbara, who introduced her to the political scene.

The two shared how they have a lot in common including a passion for leading and giving back to the community.

"The thing that I found from my parents was that education was very important, and as I learned more, I understood what people really wanted and needed in order to succeed," said Barbara.

Barbara Sykes represented Akron in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001-2006 before her husband, Vernon, succeeded her. Prior to being a state lawmaker, Barbara was the first Black woman to serve on Akron City Council. That is when she was pregnant with Emilia.

"I often tell people, most parents expose their children in utero to classical music and reading certain books, but I was exposed to city council meetings," said Emilia.

Emilia's exposure to public service only grew as she got older.

"Her birthday parties came during campaign season,” Barbara said. “It was her birthday. There was a cake. So there was a campaign with the campaign workers and everyone singing 'Happy Birthday' to Emilia.”

But during all those birthdays, Emilia said she never wished to become a lawmaker. She was an accomplished gymnast who won a state championship in high school and competed in the Junior Olympics among having other talents.

"I wanted to be a dancer. I was going to be the principal dancer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and when that didn't work out, I went to law school," Emilia said with a laugh.

Emily got her Bachelor's Degree from Kent State University before attending the University of Florida. In Gainesville, she earned a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Family Law from the Levin College of Law and a Masters of Public Health from the College of Public Health and Health Professions.

As Vernon Sykes' run in the Ohio House was coming to an end, Barbara said she and her husband begged Emilia to come back to Akron and run for his seat.

"We knew that this community deserved her. It had raised her and it deserved her," Barbara said.

​In 2014, at just 28-years-old, voters in Ohio's 34th House District in Akron elected Emilia as their representative. 

"There's no doubt about the fact that the Sykes name was helpful to me and I had to ensure that if people were comfortable with Barbara Sykes or Vernon Sykes that they could be comfortable with Emilia Sykes as well," said Emilia.

While familiarity may have helped get her elected, her hard work has gotten her re-elected three times. She also surpassed both parents by becoming the Ohio House Minority Leader.​

"She's a model for so many young women especially African American women,” Barbara said. “Little girls that can see her and think, 'I can do that. I can be that.' So I'm proud from that standpoint more than ever."

But being Minority Leader comes with its challenges and Emilia said she often leans on her mom.

"If I get a call in the morning, I know that I've either got to answer it right now or call back immediately cause she's identified that something is about to happen and 10 out of 10 times she's right,” Emilia said. “She'll give me a pep talk or say don't worry about it or this is what's going to happen. Just be prepared for it. And again, having that type of support is invaluable.”

Emilia is serving her final term in the Ohio House and is “exploring” a run for the United States Senate. Barbara said whatever her daughter decides to do next; Emilia should always remember one thing.

​"I will be there and that she always has a place to call home," said Barbara.

Emilia joked during the interview, saying, "I just need the tape. I need to roll this all back just in case." 

Vernon and ​Barbara Sykes' eldest daughter is also carrying on the family legacy of public service. Stancy Sykes was recently promoted to the Family and Community Engagement Manager of Akron Public Schools.