Capitol News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has directed that U.S. and Michigan flags at the State Capitol Complex be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, October 22, to honor the late former Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. The tribute coincides with the date of Kilpatrick’s funeral.

"Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick was a stalwart voice for Detroit,” Governor Whitmer said. “Whether it was civil rights or humanitarian aid, Congresswoman Kilpatrick was never afraid to break barriers and stand up for what she believed in. She was also a staunch ally of the auto industry, supporting efforts to rescue General Motors and Chrysler during the 2008 Great Recession. Congresswoman Kilpatrick was also a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.”

Kilpatrick was born and raised in Detroit. She graduated from Detroit High School of Commerce before earning a Bachelor of Science degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and a Master of Science from the University of Michigan in 1977. She began her career as a high school teacher.

In 1978, Kilpatrick was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives representing Oakland and Wayne counties. She became the first Black woman to serve on the House Appropriations Committee and chaired both the Corrections and Transportation subcommittees.

In 1996, she defeated incumbent Barbara-Rose Collins in the primary for the 15th district and joined the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served until 2011. Kilpatrick became the second Black woman assigned to the Appropriations Committee during her tenure.

Her work in public office included securing federal funding for alternative-fuel buses, summer youth programs, pre-college engineering instruction, children's television programming, and enhanced rehabilitation services at the Detroit Medical Center.

Kilpatrick is survived by her two children, Kwame and Ayanna, as well as eight grandchildren.

The State of Michigan is lowering flags to half-staff as a sign of respect for her service. The flags will be returned to full staff on Thursday, October 23.