The Importance of Black History Month

Black History Month is a time in which we celebrate the achievements of African-Americans leaders and acknowledge the prominent role of blacks in U.S. history. Carrie Pittman Meek, a Democratic politician and educator, is one who has played an important role in public service throughout Florida. She served in the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 2003.

Carrie Pittman, the daughter of Willie and Carrie Pittman, was born in segregated Tallahassee, FL on April 29nd, 1926. Her parents started their married life as sharecroppers, however her father later became a caretaker, her mother employed in laundering clothes as well as the owner of a house that provides food and lodging for paying guests, and her grandmother grew up as a slave in Georgia.

Carrie was nicknamed “Tot” by her older siblings, as she was the youngest of twelve children. In 1946, she excelled in track and field while receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and physical education at what was called Florida A&M College for Negroes (currently known as Florida A&M University).

At this time, African Americans were forbidden to attend graduate school in Florida, therefore Meek registered for the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she received state financial aid to attend. There she obtained a master’s degree in public health and physical education in 1948 and later studied at Florida Atlantic University. After she graduated, Pittman Meek was an instructor at a private university in Daytona Beach, Florida, called “Bethune Cookman University”, where she coached basketball, taught biological sciences and physical education. She later taught at Florida A&M from 1958 to 1961. In 1992 Carrie P. Meek became the first African-American to represent Florida in U.S. Congress since Reconstruction. As Hurricane Andrew occurred from August 16th, 1992 to August 28th, 1992 she decided to assist families with the recovery process, helping provide $100 million in federal aid to reconstruct Miami-Dade County.

While in the House, Meek also led legislation through Congress to improve Dade County’s transportation system, airport and seaport; built a new family and child care center in North Miami-Dade County, and funded advanced aviation training programs at Miami-Dade Community College. She also tried to develop federal employment programs and provide African Americans with initiatives to open their own businesses. In addition, Meek also worked with Anne Northup to increase funding for research on lupus and to offer federal grants for college students with poor reading skills because of learning disabilities. As African American public servants are trying to become the most influential leaders in society, Carrie Pittman Meek has to be one who has played a prominent role in public service throughout Florida. She has assisted families, improved Miami-Dade County, and provided opportunities for everyone.      

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