Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick represented Michigan in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2011 (105th-111th Congresses). Kilpatrick’s committee assignments included the Banking and Financial Services, House Oversight, and Appropriations committees, as well as the Joint Committee on the Library. Kilpatrick was selected as the first chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee during the 109th Congress and served as the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 110th Congress (2007-2009). She was also the first African American member of Congress appointed to the United States Air Force Academy Board. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Kilpatrick played an essential role in determining funding for federal programs. Kilpatrick was a teacher and served as member of the Michigan State House of Representatives before coming to Congress. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Michigan House Appropriations Committee. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan.