Remembering Congressman Alcee L. Hastings

The Unrescindable Void 

By Sylvester Robinson, Westside Gazette

The void left by the death of Congressman Alcee Hastings, to be readily filled by several capable candidates including former Broward mayors/commissioners Barbara Sharief and Dale Holness among others, will prove an extremely challenging and arduous proposition based on the myriad accomplishments of a career replete with numerous successes and political battles.

Born in Altamonte Springs, Florida to parents Mildred and J. C. Hastings, his formal education began at Crooms Academy in Sanford, completed his BA in Botany and Zoology at Fisk University in Nashville, and subsequently enrolled in the Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. prior to earning a Juris Doctor from the Florida A & M University School of Law in 1963.

After a distinguished law practice and an unsuccessful run for the U.S. Senate, he was appointed judge of the circuit court of Broward County before being nominated by President Jimmy Carter to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in a newly created district.

Confirmed by the U. S. Senate on October 31, 1979, he received his commission on November 3 of the same year. Legal issues due to impeachment and conviction ended prematurely his judgeship but was eventually exonerated of all charges.

After a failed attempt running for secretary of the state of Florida, Alcee ran for Congress in 1992 winning a runoff election against Lois Frankel, serving Florida’s 23rd District. Following redistricting, he served the 20th District representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach Counties until his untimely death due to Pancreatic Cancer.

His iconic persona, commitment to his constituents and love for community causes make following his legacy of service a daunting task for even the staunchest and stoutest of personalities. He fought diligently against the 2000 Bush-Gore election results and twice voted to impeach 45. He was a fiery, fierce warrior for justice and equality for all, not mincing words for causes he championed and believed in no matter the consequences. Alcee once famously stated during a court battle over accusations of sexual misconduct: “ In a war with a lie, the truth always wins.”

This great man of the people, steadfast in his convictions, will be sorely missed by all – those who knew him in private or public, friend or foe alike. Rest In Peace with our Lord and Savior Mr. Hastings.

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The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings

The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings, 84, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida transitioned on April 6, 2021. He was born on September 5, 1936, in Altamonte Springs, Florida to Mildred Hastings and Julius C. Hastings. Congressman Hastings represented his native state of Florida by serving as Congressman for District 20, which includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach Counties. He was first elected in 1992 and served 15 terms in the Congress. He graduated from Fisk University in 1958 and earned his law degree from Florida A&M University in 1963.

Known to many as “Judge,” Congressman Hastings distinguished himself as a trailblazing attorney, civil rights activist, judge, and member of Congress. Appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, he became the first African American Federal Judge in the State of Florida, and served in that position for 10 years. He was the first African American from Florida since the post-Civil War period, and was an outspoken advocate for Floridians and the nation. Throughout his lifetime, Congressman Hastings championed the rights of minorities, women, the elderly, children, and immigrants.

He served on multiple distinguished committees and leadership roles while in Congress, including Vice Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee, Senior Democratic Whip, Co-Chairman and founder of the Congressional Everglades Caucus and Dean and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation, Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was a member of its Subcommittee on Terrorism, HUMINT (Human Intelligence), Analysis, and Counterintelligence, as well as the Subcommittee on Intelligence Community Management, and served as Vice Chairman of the Democratic Select Committee on Election Reform. He was also the co-founder and co-chair of the House Homelessness Caucus. Among Congress’ most respected voices in international affairs, Congressman Hastings served as the Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

Congressman Hastings was the proud recipient of numerous honors and awards bestowed on him from organizations both at home and abroad. He firmly believed that progress and change can be achieved through mutual respect and appreciation, and that individuals and communities can see beyond the limits of parochialism, enabling them to better understand each other.

He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., The Pride of Fort Lauderdale Elks Lodge 652, Masonic Lodge 409 P.H.A. and many other community organizations. His daughter, Chelsea Hastings Andrews, said “My father moved the world and everyone he touched, he was brilliant and his contagious energy filled the room. He was a legendary fighter for social and racial justice and wanted his deeds to speak for his time on this earth.”

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Williams, and his children, Alcee L. Hastings, II, Chelsea Hastings Andrews, Leigh Shaw and his zealous granddaughter Zola Andrews Johnson, and his step-daughter Maisha D. Williams, and her children Kori Imani Blevins, and Trent J. Williams, as well as many family members and friends. Some of those left to remember, to embrace and to honor his memory are his close cousins Gordon (Rose) Merritt, D.D.S., Pamela Merritt, M.D., Courtney (Gerrod) Smith, Esq, Cierra Pettiford Esq. Portia (Todd) MeHaffey, Cora (Paul) Snead, Caren Snead Williams, Esq., Paul (Kendle) Snead, Jr.

<< This was a United States Congressional Delegation (CODEL)organized by the Late New York Congressman Benjamin Gilman encompassing the following countries: Taiwan, Thailand Guam Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Hawaii from August 7-22, 1999. The U.S. Congressional leaders met with Taiwan’s President  Lee Teng-hui in Taipei, Taiwan on August 9, 1999 in order to reaffirm the One-China Policy established by President Dwight Eisenhower 1955.

 

 

 

 

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We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our dear chapter brother, the Hon. Alcee L. Hastings

The Polemarch [President] of the Ft. Lauderdale Alumni Chapter, Kevin White, of Kappa Alpha Psi®, Fraternity, Inc. issued the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our dear chapter brother, the Hon. Alcee L. Hastings (Alpha Delta, 1954). Brother Hastings was a U.S. Representative, where he served as Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee; a past member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and its Chairman on the Subcommittee on Oversights and Investigations; Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission); the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation (longest serving member); and a long-standing member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Brother Hastings was long-time member of our Ft. Lauderdale Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi®, and a noted speaker at numerous fraternity Grand Chapter Meetings, Province Councils and our local chapter community initiatives. He also supported our chapters Guide Right mentoring program, which encompasses many of our youth-oriented programs such as mentoring, college preparatory programs, and tutoring. The Flagship Initiative of the Guide Right Service Program is the Kappa Leadership Development League (Kappa League), which is designed to help young men grow, receive, and develop their leadership talents in every phase of human endeavor. Brother Hastings was the leading contributor to our chapter’s Kappa League program and assisted our Achievement Foundation in delivering $32,000 in scholarships to the 2020 class, which was our largest class of graduating seniors.

He earned the fraternity’s highest honor, the 59th Laurel Wreath, during 2007, which highlighted his outstanding career in public service with a focus on civil rights and inequality. Although Brother Hastings has transitioned to the Chapter Invisible, his lasting contributions and leadership in our community helped make South Florida and the United States a better and fairer place to live, work and retire for all Americans. Brother Hastings was very proud to be a Kappa man and in our Ft Lauderdale Alumni Chapter he will be missed, but he will never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies to Congressman Hastings’ immediate and extended family, including his son and our chapter brother, Alcee Hastings II, his staff and supporters, as well as our brothers across the Southern Province, the Alpha Delta Chapter and internationally of Kappa Alpha Psi®.”

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In honoring his request, there will be no memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, to continue Alcee’s legacy of bold community activism, The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings Memorial Scholarship has been established
at both Florida A&M University and Fisk University.  

For those who desire to make contributions, gifts may be sent to:

FAMU Foundation c/o The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings Memorial Scholarship, #2355 625 East Tennessee Street, Ste. 100
Tallahassee, FL 32308

Online donations: https://my.famu.edu/donation/hastingsmemorial

 

Fisk University, Office of Institutional Advancement, c/o The Honorable Alcee L. Hastings  Memorial Scholarship 1000 17th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37208

Online donations: 

https://connect.fisk.edu/donation-form-one-time-gift  Text “Fisk” to 56512, designate your donation to The Honorable Alcee Hastings Memorial Scholarship

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In Memory of Civil Rights Pioneer: Congressman Alcee Hastings

We are deeply saddened to have learned about the passing of a friend to the Urban League and a well-loved member of our community, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings. “For me, his smile lit up the room every time I would visit him in Washington, DC,” said Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, President and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County. “He always made himself available to listen and to advocate. He did not shrink from the difficult places. As a younger (at the time) Black female leader, he made room for me, and I will be forever grateful.”

Congressman Hastings was a community trailblazer, defender of civil rights, and a truth-teller of racial injustice. He broke many boundaries, including becoming the first Black Federal Judge in the State of Florida in 1979 and becoming the first Black congressman to represent Florida since the Civil War.

“As Chair of the Urban League of Broward County and on behalf of the many Black lawyers, leaders, and activists in the State of Florida, I wish to extend our sincere sympathies to the family of our beloved Congressman Alcee Hastings,” said Sidney Calloway, Urban League of Broward County Board Chair. “If the measure of this great man is, to any extent, exemplified by his works, then this Country, this State, and this community are profoundly grateful for the Congressman’s lifelong passion in securing the freedom and betterment of Black and poor people.”

As a true American hero and patriot, Congressman Hastings’ selfless courage and fortitude are a legacy to which we should all aspire. His progress and advocacy opened the doors for many generations, both past and present. Now, we must all pay it forward!

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 Clyburn mourns passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings

U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings:

“Today Florida lost a committed public servant, and the nation lost a passionate patriot. We in the Congressional Black Caucus have lost a giant and I have lost a dear friend of more than 60 years.

“Alcee Hastings was a trailblazer throughout his career serving as Florida’s first Black federal judge and one of the first African Americans elected to Congress from Florida since the post-Civil War period.

“For nearly three decades, he represented his constituents with dignity, grace and an unwavering commitment to the fight for justice.

“I knew on the day we met as college students that he would make an indelible impact and I was right. It has been a privilege to know him as a trusted colleague, confidant and an invaluable member of our Whip organization.

“My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with his family, constituents and staff.”

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Today I lost a great friend, a giant of a man, and a fearless fighter for justice, equality, and opportunity for all, Congressman Alcee Hastings. Congressman Hastings was a voice for those without a voice and his impact on our lives will be long lasting. I will honor and cherish the bond of friendship that we built over decades. Congressman Hastings has been in inspiration and a model as a public servant. His endorsement of my 2010 campaign for county commission contributed greatly to my election as a county commissioner. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to Congressman Hastings’ wife, Patricia, his entire family, and staff. Congressman Hastings was a leader who fault to create jobs and provide greater economic opportunities for middle and working-class families. He was a true leader and a blessing in our community. —  Broward County Commissioner District 9 Dale V. C. Holness

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      We have lost a great man. Both Alcee and John Lewis were graduates of renowned Fisk University. They were best friends and powerful colleagues, but more importantly they were incomparable men who made an incredible and profound impact in our community, nation and the world. They opened doors for us to boldly enter. I love them and their legacies. Rest in Peace.  —    Judge Michael Robinson

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Jayla L. Hall

Mr. Henry,

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my experience and memories of the late Congressman Alcee Hastings. Alcee was a frequently talked about name in my household during the life of my grandfather Artis “Jack” Hall. His name was often brought up in conversations about Kappa, golf, and campaigning. So, when I saw the news about his passing, I was deeply saddened.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle (through the White House Office of Legislative Affairs” Congressman Hastings ( and 4 guest of his choosing) which he then extended to my mother Philisia, my uncle Chadwick, my father Jordon Hall and me to attend the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll. It was on exciting and unforgettable experience for my family and me.

I am blessed to be a recipient of his kindness. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that my Black peers and I am products of the late Congressman ‘s fight for desegregation of schools. It was his concern for children that has allowed me to attend West Broward High School and join the debate team. For this, I will always be grateful.

Thank you, Jayla L. Hall.

 

 

 

 

About Carma Henry 24455 Articles
Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

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