LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Flags will be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, October 22, in honor of former Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick.

Kilpatrick passed away on October 7 at the age of 80. She devoted more than three decades to public service, serving in both the Michigan Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.

She made history as the first Black woman to serve on the House Appropriations Committee in the Michigan State House.

She was also the first Black woman appointed to the Defense Subcommittee of Appropriations in the U.S. House.

Copyright 2025 WILX. All rights reserved.

See Full Page