Cardiss Collins, American politician (b. 1931)

Cardiss Hortense Collins (née Robertson), born on September 24, 1931, and passing away on February 3, 2013, was a highly influential American politician who carved out a distinguished career representing Illinois in the United States House of Representatives. Serving an impressive 24-year tenure from 1973 to 1997, Collins was a prominent voice within the Democratic Party and a pivotal figure in American political history.

Her election marked a significant milestone: she became the fourth African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, following in the pioneering footsteps of trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm of New York, Barbara Jordan of Texas, and Yvonne Brathwaite Burke of California. More uniquely, Collins held the distinct honor of being the first African-American woman to represent a constituency from the Midwest, opening doors for future generations of diverse leadership in the region.

Collins's entry into the national political arena was spurred by tragic circumstances. She was elected to Congress during a special election held on June 5, 1973. This election was necessitated by the untimely death of her husband, George W. Collins, who passed away on December 8, 1972, in the tragic United Airlines Flight 553 plane crash. This devastating event occurred just a month after he had been re-elected to his second term in Congress. Cardiss Collins stepped forward to continue his legacy, successfully securing the seat her husband had held.

The congressional seat she won, previously the 6th district, had undergone significant restructuring before the 1973 election. It was renumbered as the 7th Congressional District and notably redrawn to encompass the historically vital downtown area of Chicago known as "the Loop." This strategic inclusion meant that Collins would represent a diverse and economically crucial urban constituency, a role she embraced with unwavering dedication throughout her extensive tenure.

Before her groundbreaking career in national politics, Cardiss Collins honed her professional skills as a meticulous accountant. She gained valuable experience working in various capacities within state government positions, which provided her with a robust understanding of public finance and administration—a foundational expertise that proved invaluable during her long legislative career in Washington, D.C.

Throughout her nearly quarter-century in Congress, Representative Collins was a fierce advocate for consumer rights, women's issues, and the advancement of minority communities. She held significant committee assignments, including the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Government Operations Committee (later renamed Government Reform and Oversight). Her leadership extended to chairing key subcommittees, such as the Government Activities and Transportation Subcommittee, where she focused on transportation safety and government efficiency, and the Commerce, Consumer, and Monetary Affairs Subcommittee, where she championed legislation on product safety and fair credit practices. Her tenure was characterized by a consistent dedication to ensuring equitable treatment and opportunities for all Americans, solidifying her legacy as a formidable and compassionate legislator.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiss Collins

Who was Cardiss Collins?

Cardiss Hortense Collins (née Robertson) was a trailblazing American politician from Illinois. She served in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 to 1997, distinguishing herself as a prominent member of the Democratic Party and a dedicated advocate for her constituents.

What was Cardiss Collins's historical significance?

Cardiss Collins made history as the fourth African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress. Crucially, she was also the first African-American woman to represent a congressional district from the Midwest, a significant achievement that broadened representation in American politics.

How long did Cardiss Collins serve in Congress?

Representative Collins served an extensive period of 24 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, from her election in 1973 until her retirement in 1997.

How did Cardiss Collins first get elected to Congress?

She was elected in a special election on June 5, 1973, to fill the vacancy left by the tragic death of her husband, George W. Collins. He died in a plane crash just after being re-elected to his second term, and Cardiss successfully ran to continue his work.

Which congressional district did Cardiss Collins represent?

Cardiss Collins represented the Illinois 7th Congressional District. This district was reconfigured prior to her election to include Chicago's iconic downtown area, "the Loop," making it a diverse and economically vital urban constituency.

What were some of Cardiss Collins's key legislative interests?

Throughout her career, Cardiss Collins was a strong proponent of consumer protection, women's rights, and issues affecting minority communities. She worked on legislation related to product safety, credit reform, and was a vocal supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment.