[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 59 (Thursday, April 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E335-E336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF THE HONORABLE CARRIE P. MEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2021

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to rise today and recognize 
my esteemed former colleague and dear friend, Congresswoman Carrie P. 
Meek on the occasion of her 95th birthday.
  Congresswoman Meek was born on April 29, 1926, in Tallahassee, 
Florida. She is the daughter of sharecroppers and the granddaughter of 
a woman who was born a slave.

[[Page E336]]

Despite growing up experiencing discrimination in the segregated South, 
she graduated from Florida A&M University in 1946 and then journeyed 
North where she would graduate with a Master of Science from the 
University of Michigan in 1948. She moved back to Florida to work at 
Bethune-Cookman University and then her alma matter Florida A&M, 
whereafter she accepted a position with Miami-Dade Community College.
  After a distinguished career in education as a single mother to two 
children, Congresswoman Meek was the second Black legislator to be 
elected to the Florida House in 1979. She served there until 1982, when 
she became the first African American woman to be elected to the 
Florida State Senate. As a State Senator, she served on the Education 
Appropriations Subcommittee and advanced minority and literacy 
policies.
  In 1992, Congresswoman Meek was elected to the U.S. House of 
Representatives from Florida's 17th Congressional District. Upon taking 
office, she was placed on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, 
where she led on district priorities, including the hard work of 
helping Florida rebuild after the devastation wrought by Hurricane 
Andrew. During her tenure, she successfully addressed issues such as 
economic development, health care, education, and housing for 
marginalized and underserved communities. Her efforts delivered $100 
million in federal assistance to rebuild Dade County. She also 
sponsored legislation creating the Florida Commission on the Status of 
Women. These exemplary contributions have inspired countless young 
women and men to serve their communities.
  Congresswoman Meek is a strong advocate for gender and racial 
equality, senior citizens, the poor, and Haitian immigrants. She has 
received dozens of honors and awards including Juris Doctorates from 
the University of Miami, Florida A&M University, Barry University, 
Florida Atlantic University, and Rollins University.
  Madam Speaker, I had the great privilege of serving alongside 
Congresswoman Meek for many years. She is a trailblazer and inspiration 
to so many women. I wish her many more years of happiness as she 
celebrates her 95th birthday.

                          ____________________