DETROIT — Former Detroit U.S. Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick has died at age 80, her family announced Wednesday. In a statement, they described her as a “tireless warrior” for Detroit and an “unwavering champion for her constituents.”
“For over 32 years, Congresswoman Kilpatrick held elected office with passion, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to bringing positive change to our community,” the family said. “She will be deeply missed, not only by her family and friends, but by the entire Detroit community that she loved so dearly.”
A dedicated Democrat, Cheeks Kilpatrick became the second Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996. By her second term, she earned a seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where she worked to secure federal resources for Detroit. She also was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, serving as its chair from 2007 to 2009.
Cheeks Kilpatrick served in the U.S. House from January 3, 1997, to January 3, 2011. Prior to her congressional career, she was a schoolteacher and first entered public office in 1978 when she was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, serving nine consecutive terms.
Her son, former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, faced significant legal troubles. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to obstructing justice related to retaliation against police officers and subsequently resigned as mayor. Kwame Kilpatrick was convicted in 2013 on federal charges including racketeering, fraud, extortion, and tax crimes, resulting in a 28-year prison sentence. He was released in 2021 after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.
In 2010, Cheeks Kilpatrick ran for reelection to Congress but lost in the Democratic primary.
The Congressional Black Caucus released a statement Wednesday honoring her legacy: “Congresswoman Kilpatrick leaves behind a legacy of service that shines as an example to all who knew her.”
In addition to her son Kwame, Cheeks Kilpatrick is survived by her daughter Ayanna and eight grandchildren.
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https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/u-s-rep-carolyn-cheeks-kilpatrick-a-tireless-advocate-for-detroit-dies-at-80/article_8e56c4f1-7fac-4e3c-9b44-1b8902365f2d.html
