Former Congresswoman and political trailblazer Carrie Meek died on Sunday at the age of 95.  

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According to CNN Politics, Adam Sharon, a spokesperson for Meek’s family, released a statement about her life and legacy.  

“Carrie Meek was our family matriarch who fulfilled this role for the entire South Florida community. She was a bridge builder and healer, a unifier with a legacy defined by selfless public service,” the statement read. “Forever the educator, the Congresswoman taught us all lessons about justice and morality. Her approach was rooted in kindness and humility. Carrie Meek made our society stronger and more equitable—an outcome that is an everlasting tribute to our beloved mother. She was guided by her faith, always inspired by the outpouring of love and community support. We humbly ask for your prayers at this time.” 

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1926, Meek was the daughter of a sharecropper and granddaughter of a slave. She broke barriers by becoming Miami-Dade Community College’s first Black professor, associate dean and assistant to the vice president. In 1978, she ran for the Florida State House, and then went on to become the first Black woman elected to the state senate.  

Her work in politics led her to the US House in 1992 where she was one of the first Black members elected since the Reconstruction.  

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After her retirement in 2002, her son Kendrick Meek took over her House seat, serving for four terms. Her organization, the Carrie Meek Foundation, did work in the Miami-Dade community helping people find jobs and opportunities.  

News of Meek’s death quickly garnered reaction from the Black community and political leaders.  

Florida A&M University’s President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., released the following statement:  

“I was deeply hurt to learn of the passing today of Florida A&M University alumna and former Congresswoman Carrie Meek. She rose from the Florida House of Representatives to become the first African American woman elected to the Florida Senate where she served on the Education Appropriations Subcommittee. She went on to be elected the first Black member of Congress from Florida since Reconstruction. Once in office, Meek faced the task of helping her district recover from the devastation of Hurricane Andrew. Her efforts helped provide $100 million in federal assistance to rebuild Dade County. She lived what we tell our students, ‘You can get there from FAMU.'” 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “Officially and personally, it was a great honor to know, serve with and share a friendship with Congresswoman Meek.”  

Reaction also poured in on social media, with many honoring Meek’s contributions to the political arena.  

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