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Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick
Former Democratic Detroit Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, who went from being a state representative in Lansing to Washington, where she became chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, has died, the family confirmed Tuesday. She was 80.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a tireless warrior for the city of Detroit and an unwavering champion for her constituents," the family said in a statement. "For over 32 years, Congresswoman Kilpatrick held elected office with passion, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to bringing positive change to our community."
"Serving in the United States Congress for 14 remarkable years, she was the voice of a district that encompassed much of Detroit, along with Ecorse, River Rouge, and surrounding areas. As a distinguished member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a dedicated Appropriations Committee member, Congresswoman Kilpatrick advocated fiercely for her district, securing more funding for Detroit than any other member in the history of the United States Congress. Her incredible efforts led to monumental projects that will forever reshape our beloved city and enhance the lives of countless residents."
Born June 25, 1945, to Marvell Jr., an autoworker and handyman, and Willa Mae Cheeks, a beautician, Carolyn Jean Cheeks graduated in 1963 from the High School of Commerce in Detroit. She attended Ferris State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. In 1972, she earned a master's degree in education from the University of Michigan, according to her bio.
In 1968, she married Bernard Kilpatrick, who would later become a Wayne County commissioner and work for Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara. They divorced in 1981.
She worked as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools before serving as a state representative in Lansing from 1979 to 1996.
In 1996, she challenged three-term incumbent Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins, who faced criticism for her absenteeism and scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee for alleged campaign finance violations. She beat Collins in the primary by 20 points and won the general election.
"The bottom line is she has not represented the district,” Kilpatrick said of Collins in her campaign.
Kilpatrick became the second Black woman to serve in the House from Michigan following her election in 1996. In her second term, she was assigned to the powerful Appropriations Committee, where, according to her congressional bio, she worked to direct federal resources toward her Detroit district.
In 2008, according to her congressional bio, Kilpatrick faced her first serious challenge, as her son, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, faced eight felony charges for misconduct in office. Part of his problems stemmed from what later became known as the text message scandal.
State Reps. Mary Waters and Martha Scott ran against her, saying it was time for new leadership. Kilpatrick ultimately prevailed.
In 2010, her son's legal problems and scandals may have proved too much. State Sen. Hansen Clarke defeated Kilpatrick in the primary and went on to win the seat.
"She was a pretty good elected official," said political commentator Adolph Mongo of the podcast Detroit in Black and White. "She fought for Detroit. It's just unfortunate Kwame got caught up in all that b.s. It killed her career, and it shouldn't have."
She is survived by her two children, Kwame Kilpatrick and Ayanna Kilpatrick, and eight grandchildren.
