FAMU Mourns the Loss of Alumna Former Congresswoman Carrie Meek

Florida A&M University (FAMU) mourns the loss of alumna, former U.S. Representative Carrie Meek, a major historical figure in Florida politics. Meek, who represented Florida’s 17th Congressional District from 1993 to 2003, died at home in Miami on Sunday, November 28. She was 95.

FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., issued the following statement after he received the sad news.

“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,’”  

“We join the Meek family, Rattlers around the world and those she represented in the State Legislature and the halls of Congress in mourning her passing.  Her legacy and life’s work will be acknowledged forever at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives and Museum located on our campus.”