FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2021
Contact
Erica Nash-Thomas
202.263.2812
media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) mourns the passing of former Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, who passed away yesterday at the age of 95.
The former Congresswoman was first elected to Congress in 1992. Along with the late Congressman Alcee Hastings and former Congresswoman Corrine Brown, they served as Florida’s first African American Members of Congress since 1876.
Growing up as the granddaughter of slaves and daughter of sharecroppers, Meek knew what it was like to live with the daily stings of segregation. After earning her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University, she attended the University of Michigan to earn master’s degrees in public health and physical education—in part because the state of Florida barred African American students from attending state graduate and professional schools.
Those experiences and more informed her advocacy. As a freshman Member of Congress, Meek lobbied for—and won—a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She championed issues such as economic development and health care and fought for federal disaster aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew and to lessen immigration restrictions for Haitian immigrants and refugees.
“Former Congresswoman Carrie Meek was a trailblazer for women in Florida and around our country,” said Co-Interim President and CEO & Senior Vice President, Resource Development, Donna Fisher-Lewis. “She will be long remembered for her determined advocacy to serve her constituents so they might thrive in their communities and have a brighter future.”
CBCF was also pleased to highlight and celebrate her work. In 2013, CBCF presented Meek with the African American Voices in Congress Elder Statesperson Award for her tireless work as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“We mourn the loss of this incredible African American woman who made a way when there was no path to follow,” said Lori George Billingsley, chair of the CBCF board of directors. “Former Congresswoman Meek was an effective legislator who delivered for the people she served, whether as a Florida state representative, as the first African American Florida State Senator or Congresswoman from the state of Florida.”
CBCF sends our deepest condolences to her family, including her son, former Congressman Kendrick Meek, Director Emeritus of the CBCF Board of Directors.
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About the CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), established in 1976, is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute, committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public.
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