Carolyn Jean Prentiss[1] (June 6, 1941 – April 2, 2024) was an American politician of the Democratic party who served in the Ohio State Senate from 1999 until 2007.

Next, Prentiss became a delegate to the Democratic Convention for Jesse Jackson in 1984,[4] and then became co-chair of the Cleveland Rainbow Coalition.

She served as minority whip (during the 125th General Assembly), Senate Minority Leader, was the first female president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC), and was the second African-American woman to serve as the Democratic leader in the Ohio Senate (after Rhine McLIn).

She spearheaded significant legislation that helped to decrease the Black-white academic achievement gap, she obtained funding for all-day kindergarten and reduced class sizes, and she worked tirelessly to improve education for students of all races.

Prentiss was a candidate in the special election to replace Stephanie Tubbs-Jones in the 110th Congress but withdrew before the Primary.