He was also vice president of student affairs Palm Beach Junior College in Lake Worth, Florida.
[citation needed] She lived for a time in Minnesota where her leadership extended to many arenas: she was the first African American elected to the School Board for the Burnsville-Egan School District (in the Twin Cities metro), she co-founded the Dakota County Society of Black Women, and she served as interim director at Normandale Community College's women's center.
He supported a substance abuse ministry at Mount Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.
Rouson's activism in the community and his law practice often involve his passions for civil rights and against drug addiction.
He set the chamber's goals at bringing more minority-owned businesses to St. Petersburg and attracting the convention of a national company.
[9] In July 2000, Tyrone mall's policy generated controversy after the son of a minister at Bethel Community Baptist Church was ejected.
[13] After the election, Rouson said his goals were to continue to counter the effects of racism, eliminate substance abuse, improve economic development and double youth membership.
The Fossil Park Neighborhood Association accused the owners of the motel of allowing it to be used as a crack house and providing a place for prostitutes to bring their clients.
[18] In October 2003, Rouson condemned the message sent by the Monopoly parody Ghettopoly and joined the president of the Hillsborough NAACP in demanding that the Urban Outfitters in Ybor City remove the game from its shelves.
"[19] In January 2004, Rouson said he would not seek re-election as president of the St. Petersburg NAACP, citing the time the unpaid position took from his law practice and family.
He had earlier advocated for the secession of Midtown from St. Petersburg in an effort to emphasize shortcomings in the status of African Americans in Pinellas County.
[21] In April 2005, while president of the St. Petersburg NAACP, Rouson stood trial on a charge of misdemeanor trespassing.
In court, the manager of the shop said anyone who talks about illegal drugs is asked to leave, and that Rouson had refused to do so.
The Commission meets every twenty years and is empowered to propose tax related changes to the State Constitution.
Despite the district historically voting Democratic, Rouson was optimistic that his ties in Tallahassee and years of activism would give him the ability to win.
In the special primary, Reverend Charles McKenzie, a coordinator for Rainbow/PUSH and educator, accused Rouson of being unfamiliar with the needs of residents of the southern part of District 55, in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
Rouson denied this, saying residents of Newtown and Sarasota had the same problems as people living in Midtown and St.
They questioned his dedication to Democratic ideals and ties to Republican Mayor Rick Baker and Governor Crist.
[30] A special general election became necessary when a Republican, Calvester Benjamin-Anderson, entered the race as a write-in candidate.
[33] While finishing Peterman's term, Rouson was one of three Pinellas representatives to support school vouchers (corporate-tax-credit scholarships), along with Bill Heller and Janet C.
They praised his work in the Legislature, and they denied that his efforts as a member of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission were considerations.
However, while on the Commission, he voted to place two amendments on the ballot that would allow religion based schools to receive taxpayer support.
He criticized Rouson's support of a proposed amendment to the State Constitution which he said would hurt public education.
Rouson said he wanted to reduce taxes and felt the proposed amendment should go to referendum to let the voters decide.
McKenzie claimed he looked forward to improving teachers salaries, making changes in FCAT and reworking Florida's system for delivering health care to children.
[37] He was one of three Pinellas candidates for the State House endorsed by Associated Industries of Florida, along with Bill Heller and Peter Nehr.