Cardiss collins biography sample

  • Former US Congresswoman of Illinois's 7th district Cardiss Collins was born on September 24, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Finley and Rosia Mae Cardiss.
  • A member of the Democratic Party, she was the fourth African-American woman in Congress and the first to represent the Midwest.
  • A legendary figure not just in Illinois but nationally, Collins was the first black woman elected to Congress from Illinois and the Midwest.

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    Cardiss Collins

    American politician (1931–2013)

    Cardiss Hortense Collins (née Robertson; September 24, 1931 – February 3, 2013) was an American politician from Illinois who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1997. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the fourth African-American woman in Congress and the first to represent the Midwest.[1] Collins was elected to Congress in the June 5, 1973 special election to replace her husband, George, who had died in the December 8, 1972 United Airlines Flight 553 plane crash a month after being elected to a second term.[2] The seat had been renumbered and combined from the 6th district to the 7th, and had been redrawn to include the Loop. She had previously worked as an accountant in various state government positions.[2]

    Congressional career

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    Throughout her political career, she was a champion for women's health and welfare issues. In 1975, she was instrument

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    George Washington Collins

    Standing Tall: Collins (front center) with the Congressional Black Caucus members in 1977.Courtesy www.history.house.gov

    Cardiss CollinsCourtesy of National Archives and Records Administration

    Former Congresswoman Cardiss Collins, 81, a legendary figure in Illinois and national politics, died Sunday Feb. 3 from complications of pneumonia.

    Collins represented Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, which includes Austin and the greater West Side, from the early 1970s until her retirement in 1995. She had been living in Arlington Va., since retiring.

    A legendary figure not just in Illinois but nationally, Collins was the first black woman elected to församling from Illinois and the Midwest. She later served in leadership roles in the U.S. House of Representatives and Democratic Party. For many years, she was the only black woman serving in Congress.

    A personal tragedy brought Collins to the House in 1973, when she was elected to

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    Cardiss Collins
    Member of the United States House of Representatives
    In office
    June 5, 1973 – January 3, 1997
    Preceded byFrank Annunzio
    Succeeded byDanny Davis
    Personal details
    Born Cardiss Hortense Robertson
    (1931-09-24)September 24, 1931
    St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
    Died February 3, 2013(2013-02-03) (aged 81)
    Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
    Resting place Arlington National Cemetery
    Political party Democratic
    Spouse(s) George Collins (m. 1958–72)

    Cardiss Hortense Collins (née Robertson; September 24, 1931 – February 3, 2013) was an American politician from Illinois who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1997. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the fourth African-American woman in Congress and the first to represent the Midwest.[1] Collins was elected to Congress in the June 5, 1973 special election to replace her husband, George, who had died in the Decemb

  • cardiss collins biography sample