[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1297-E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING CONGRESSWOMAN CARRIE PITTMAN MEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2022

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, from the 24th District of the 
great State of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the life 
and legacy of Congresswoman Carrie Pittman Meek and commend her for her 
devotion to the Nation and its ideals.
  Whereas, Carrie Mae Pittman was born on April 29, 1926, in 
Tallahassee, Florida, where she was raised, the youngest of 12 children 
of Willie and Carrie Pittman. She was the daughter of sharecroppers and 
granddaughter of a slave; and
  Whereas, Congresswoman Meek earned a bachelor's degree in biology and 
physical education from Florida A&M University while setting records as 
a track and field athlete. Due to a ban in Florida that prevented Black 
students from attending State graduate schools, Ms. Meek enrolled at 
the University of Michigan, where she earned a master's degree in 
public health and physical education; and
  Whereas, upon graduation, she accepted a position at Bethune Cookman 
College as an instructor and became the institution's first female 
basketball coach. In 1958, she returned to Florida A&M as an instructor 
in Health and Physical Education; a position she held until 1961. Meek 
continued her teaching career at Miami Dade Community College as the 
first Black professor, associate dean, and assistant to the Vice 
President from 1961 to 1979; and
  Whereas, in 1979, Meek began her trailblazing political career as a 
Democratic Florida State House Representative. From 1983 to 1993, she 
served as the first African American woman in the Florida State Senate 
and went on to become a United States Congresswoman representing 
Florida's 17th Congressional district. One of the first Black members 
from Florida elected to Congress since the Reconstruction Era, Meek was 
a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee and worked to secure 
$100 million in aid to rebuild Dade County as the area recovered from 
Hurricane Andrew. While in the House, Congresswoman Meek focused her 
attention on issues such as economic development, health care, 
education, and housing. She led legislation through Congress to improve 
Dade County's transit system, airport, and seaport; to construct a new 
family and childcare center in northern Dade County; and to fund 
advanced aviation training programs at Miami-Dade Community College. 
Meek emerged as a strong advocate for Haitian immigrants and senior 
citizens; and
  Whereas, Ms. Meek later retired from public office in 2002 and 
founded the Carrie Meek Foundation, which provides the Miami-Dade 
community with critical resources, opportunities, and jobs. Ms. Meek 
was awarded honorary Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Miami, 
Florida A&M University, Barry University, Florida Atlantic University, 
and Rollins College. Ms. Meek was inducted into the Florida A&M 
University Sports Hall of Fame and honored with the co-naming of its 
James N. Eaton, Sr., Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research 
Center and Museum in Tallahassee, Florida. Ms. Meek was honored with 
the renaming of Broward County's Nova Southeastern College's 
Outstanding Education Leadership Achievement Scholarship and Miami, 
Florida's Northwest 27th Boulevard; and
  Whereas, Congresswoman Meek leaves to continue her work and carry on 
her legacy her children: Lucia Davis-Raiford, Sheila Davis Kinui 
(Mike), Kendrick B. Meek (Arshi); grandchildren: Ayo Raiford Barrett, 
Maggie Aldophe, Ryan C. Aldophe, Amber F. Kinui, Carrie Y. Kinui, 
Lauren Meek, Kendrick Meek, Jr.; great-grandchildren: Alana Barrett, 
Carissa Barrett, Anya Bonhomme, Bryce Lim, Chloe Raiford, Aidan 
Barrett. Woven into the tapestry of her life were special nieces and 
nephews: Juanita Pittman Bivins, Betty J. Pittman, Samuel Pittman, Jr. 
(Shirley), Cynthia G. Gilliam, Dr. Vincent June, Carmen V. Terry, 
Dorothy Ottman, Left to mourn her and sit in the shade under the trees 
in the forest she planted are a host of family members, dear cherished 
friends, and a beloved community; and Now, therefore, be it
  Resolved That I, Frederica S. Wilson, a member of the United States 
House of Representatives representing the 24th Congressional District 
of Florida, am honored to recognize the late Congresswoman Carrie 
Pittman

[[Page E1298]]

Meek for her exemplary career and contributions to public service, the 
people of Florida, and the American people.

                          ____________________