First African American woman to represent Illinois in Congress, serving from 1973 to 1997 and advocating for civil rights and women's rights.
Cardiss Collins, a renowned American politician from Illinois, made history as the fourth African American woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives and the first to represent the Midwest. Throughout her illustrious career, Collins was a fearless advocate for women's health and welfare issues, leaving an indelible mark on the country's legislative landscape.
Born on September 24, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri, Collins grew up in a family that valued education and public service. She began her career as an accountant, working in various state government positions before taking the leap into politics.
In 1973, Collins was elected to Congress in a special election, replacing her late husband, George, who had died in a plane crash just a month after being elected to a second term. This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of her remarkable 24-year tenure in Congress.
Collins' commitment to women's health and welfare issues led to several landmark legislative achievements. In 1975, she successfully prompted the Social Security Administration to revise Medicare regulations, making postmastectomy breast prosthesis coverage a reality. This triumph marked a significant milestone in the fight for women's health rights.
In 1990, Collins co-founded the African American Women for Reproductive Freedom, a coalition dedicated to promoting reproductive health and freedom for African American women. Her tireless advocacy also led to the reform of federal child care facilities and the promotion of gender equity in college sports.
Collins' unwavering dedication to her constituents and her causes earned her numerous leadership positions and accolades. In 1979, she became the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, using her platform to scrutinize President Jimmy Carter's policies. Later, she served as the caucus' vice chairwoman and chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Competitiveness.
Her many honors include being named one of the "100 Most Influential Black Americans" by Ebony magazine in 1984 and receiving the National Women's Health Network's Barbara Seaman Award in 1993.
Cardiss Collins' remarkable career has left an indelible mark on American politics and society. Her unwavering commitment to women's health and welfare issues has inspired generations of women to pursue careers in politics and public service. As a trailblazing African American woman in Congress, Collins has paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Today, her legacy continues to inspire and empower women across the country, serving as a testament to the power of dedicated public service and the significance of women's voices in the political sphere.
Cardiss Collins' remarkable life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of women's voices in politics and the transformative impact of dedicated public service.
Born in 1924
A trailblazing African American congresswoman who broke racial and gender barriers, advocating for education, women's rights, and the poor. She was the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.
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Former US Representative from Illinois, known for his advocacy on civil rights and mental health issues, as well as his high-profile political scandals.
