Collins, Cardiss (1931–)

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Collins, Cardiss (1931–)

American politician. Born Cardiss Hortense Robertson in St. Louis, Missouri, Sept 24, 1931; dau. of Finley (laborer) and Rosia Mae (Cardiss) Robertson (nurse); attended Northwestern University; m. George Washington Collins, 1958 (died Dec 8, 1972); children: Kevin.

Elected to fill husband's unexpired Congressional term after his death (1973), went on to become the longest-serving black woman in the history of Congress (Jan 5, 1973–Jan 3, 1997) and devoted herself to providing better living and working conditions in her predominantly black district in Illinois; as evidence of her popularity, ran unopposed in 1988; was the 1st woman and the 1st black to chair the House Government Operations Subcommittee on Manpower and Housing, and the 1st woman to chair the Congressional Black Caucus; was also the 1st black and the 1st woman to serve as a Democratic whip-at-large.

See also Women in World History.

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Collins, Cardiss (1931–)

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