Congressional Black Caucus Statement on the Passing of Former Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"It is with deep respect and profound sadness that we learn of the passing of our former colleague and former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. Our membership extends our deepest condolences to her beloved children, Ayanna and Kwame Kilpatrick, as well as the entire Kilpatrick family on this sorrowful occasion.

"Born in 1945 and raised in Detroit's African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rep. Kilpatrick was set on a path of public service and educational achievement from an early age. She earned an associate degree from Ferris State University, a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University, and a graduate degree from the University of Michigan.

"Rep. Kilpatrick would go on to serve as a public-school teacher for a decade before beginning her career in politics under the mentorship of former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young. Beginning her 18-year tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives in 1979, Rep. Kilpatrick became the first Black woman to serve on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

"After being sworn into the U.S. Congress in 1997, Rep. Kilpatrick served on the House Appropriations Committee, playing a vital role in determining funding for federal programs. Among her many accomplishments, she successfully secured $1.5 billion in funding to revitalize Detroit's waterfront. She would also notably go on to serve as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2007-2009, the first Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, and the first African American member of Congress appointed to the United States Air Force Academy Board. As an active member of the CBC, Chair Kilpatrick advocated tirelessly to increase the federal minimum wage, support minority-owned businesses, and provide millions in needed funding to Haiti and many sub-Saharan African nations.

"Congresswoman Kilpatrick leaves behind a legacy of service that shines as an example to all who knew her. May she rest in power and everlasting peace."