Former Detroit Congresswoman and CBC Chair Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick Dies at 80

October 15, 2025

Former U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Jean Cheeks Kilpatrick, who represented Detroit from 1996 to 2011 and chaired the Congressional Black Caucus from 2007-2009, died on October 7 in Atlanta at age 80. As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, she secured over $1. 5 billion in projects for Michigan and millions in funding for sub-Saharan African nations.

Who is affected

Detroit residents and Michigan citizens who benefited from the $1.5 billion in projects she secured
Black-owned businesses that received her advocacy
Haiti and sub-Saharan African nations that received funding through her efforts
The Congressional Black Caucus and its initiatives
Her surviving family members, including daughter Ayanna Kilpatrick and son Kwame Kilpatrick

What action is being taken

Funeral arrangements for Congresswoman Kilpatrick are currently being prepared for announcement
Her legacy is being commemorated through statements from organizations like the Joint Center
The Sojourner Truth Legacy Project she founded at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation continues her work

Why it matters

Kilpatrick was the second Black woman from Michigan to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives
She secured unprecedented levels of funding for Michigan projects, with the article noting no other member of Congress secured as much direct or indirect funding for the state
Her work on the House Appropriations Committee directed critical resources to Detroit's waterfront revitalization, the Detroit Medical Center, light rail, and Michigan universities
She addressed issues affecting Black Americans through climate justice, economic empowerment, and community development initiatives

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint