Pre-PMV Q: Government

A continental is the current at-large Senator. Another continental was a long serving Senator who is now a very prominent voice on talk radio. Just two examples. Both, however, have spent decades working into the community.

The following office-holders are also continentals (meaning, from the states):
Governor John P. DeJongh, Jr.
Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen
Police Commissioner Henry W. White, Jr.
Commissioner of Education LaVerne Terry

If you're not from here, then it helps to be black.

You also have to have a good nickname.