Carolyn Kilpatrick Former Congresswoman and CBC Chair Dies
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 13, 2026
Carolyn Jean Cheeks Kilpatrick, a long-time advocate for Detroit and Black-owned businesses, has died in Atlanta. She was 80 years old. Kilpatrick served in the U.S. Congress from 1996 to 2011.
Early Life and Education
Carolyn Jean Cheeks was born on June 25, 1945. She was raised within the African Methodist Episcopal Church and demonstrated an early connection to public service. Kilpatrick attended Detroit’s High School of Commerce, where she served as class president. She received an associate’s degree from Ferris State University, a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, and a graduate degree from the University of Michigan.
Political Career in Michigan
Prior to her time in Congress, Kilpatrick was a public-school teacher for ten years. She began her political career as a mentee of former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young. Kilpatrick served for 18 years in the Michigan House of Representatives, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan House’s Appropriations Committee.
U.S. Congress and Leadership Roles
Kilpatrick was first elected to the U.S. Congress in 1996 and served until 2010, when she lost a primary election to Hansen Clarke. During her tenure, she served as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2007 to 2009. She was known for advocating for an increased federal minimum wage and supporting Black-owned businesses. Kilpatrick also secured funding for Haiti and sub-Saharan African nations.
Impact on Michigan and Beyond
Kilpatrick secured a seat on the House Appropriations Committee, where she reportedly secured over $1.5 billion in projects for Michigan. These projects included revitalization of Detroit’s Waterfront, rehabilitation of the Detroit Medical Center, light rail, and support for Michigan’s universities. She also secured funding for numerous sub-Saharan African nations. Kilpatrick founded the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. In 2008, she supported the Joint Center’s Commission to Engage African Americans on Climate Change, later serving on the Joint Center’s Board of Governors.
Family and Survivors
Kilpatrick is survived by her daughter, Ayanna Kilpatrick, and her son, Kwame Kilpatrick. Funeral arrangements are pending.
