DETROIT (AP) — Former Detroit Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick has died at age 80, according to her family.

The family announced Cheeks Kilpatrick’s death Wednesday in a statement, calling her a “tireless warrior” for Detroit and an “unwavering champion for her constituents.”

“For over 32 years, Congresswoman Kilpatrick held elected office with passion, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to bringing positive change to our community,” the family said. “She will be deeply missed, not only by her family and friends, but by the entire Detroit community that she loved so dearly.”

A Democrat, Cheeks Kilpatrick became the second Black woman to serve in the U.S. House following her election in 1996. By her second term, she was assigned to the powerful House Appropriations Committee,

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