FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2021
CONTACT:
Erica Nash-Thomas
202.263.2812
media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) mourns the passing of CBCF Board Member and Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, who passed away today at the age of 84.
Congressman Hastings was first elected to Congress in 1992. He rose to serve as Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Dean and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation. The congressman was Florida’s longest-serving member of Congress.
“Congressman Hastings dedicated his career to pursuing racial justice in Florida and to pursuing social justice in the halls of Congress,” said CBCF President & CEO Tonya Veasey. “He worked every day to be a strong voice and advocate for the constituents he served.”
Before his election to the House, Congressman Hastings became the first African American federal judge in Florida, a position he held for 10 years. Prior to that role, he was appointed as a Circuit Court Judge in Broward County, Florida.
Congressman Hastings graduated from Fisk University and earned his law degree from Florida A&M University.
The congressman previously served on CBCF’s board of directors and was an avid supporter of the Foundation’s many programs and initiatives.
“Congressman Hastings was a steadfast believer in CBCF’s work, from educating the Black community about our most pressing issues to supporting our interns and fellows,” said Lori George Billingsley, chair of the CBCF board of directors. “As an HBCU graduate, he understood the importance of ensuring that college students and young professionals garner opportunities to become principled policy leaders.”
The congressman’s legacy and governing philosophy—that progress and change can be achieved through mutual respect and appreciation—will continue to live on. May he rest in power.
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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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