Alcee Hastings remembered for standing up to injustice, fighting for his community

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz: “Florida has misplaced an excellent, fearless, giant-hearted advocate for this state that he dearly liked, and Congress has misplaced a smart, affected person and compassionate statesman. I’ve misplaced a treasured pal and true mentor, somebody I continually leaned on for sage counsel. Alcee Hastings’ life was dedicated to righting wrongs and he wasn’t afraid to make use of slightly disgrace to press for change. From the halls of Congress to Broward County and so far as the Parliamentary Meeting in Europe, Congressman Hastings leaves an immense political legacy. I mourn at the moment along with his household and all these communities throughout South Florida whom he helped and safeguarded. Might his reminiscence be a blessing.”

Rep. Ted Deutch: “I had the consideration of working facet by facet with Alcee for greater than a decade, seeing first-hand his ardour and drive for standing as much as injustice and combating for our group. Alcee devoted his profession to advancing civil rights for all People and human rights around the globe. His management on racial justice points introduced collectively everybody dedicated to a extra simply and equitable society.”

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Rep. Lois Frankel: “It’s with a heavy coronary heart that I’ve discovered in regards to the passing of my colleague and pal, Alcee Hastings,” mentioned Rep. Frankel. “I’ve recognized Alcee for a few years. He was a fierce fighter for civil rights and racial justice, and a fantastic associate in Congress when it got here to serving south Florida. He will probably be deeply missed. My coronary heart goes out to his household, buddies, and employees as we mourn his loss.”

Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “Congressman Hastings leaves behind a strong legacy of activism and motion on behalf of Floridians and all People. His management and friendship will probably be missed by his many buddies in Congress.”

Sen. Marco Rubio: “With Alcee Hastings’s passing, Florida has misplaced certainly one of its most preeminent and passionate public servants. As a congressman, Hastings was a tireless advocate for his constituents and for combating towards civil rights injustices, and the a long time he spent representing our state within the Home had been an inspiration to all members of the Florida congressional delegation. Working alongside him on points like Everglades restoration has been a private spotlight in my very own work within the Senate. Jeanette and I mourn his passing. We unite in prayer and provide our honest condolences to his household and family members.”

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Rep. Al Lawson: “We misplaced a fantastic chief in Florida at the moment. Alcee was a sort and honorable man and nicely revered in Washington amongst his colleagues on either side of the aisle. He was a champion for human rights and social justice, and a continuing advocate for South Florida’s underserved group. His fearless method to service made him a trailblazer in Congress and all through his profession. I’ve been blessed to know him for greater than 30 years. We spoke on the cellphone two weeks in the past and I informed him I used to be praying for him. Alcee was a fighter till the top. I’ll miss my pal, fraternity brother and fellow FAMU alum. His loss will probably be felt far past Florida and the halls of Congress, however throughout our nation. I might additionally like to increase my heartfelt condolences to his household, constituents and devoted employees.”

Florida Democratic Get together Chair Manny Diaz: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings. Our state misplaced an incredible chief this morning. Congressman Hastings was a trailblazer and true big of Florida politics. Forty years in the past, recent out of legislation faculty, I met Choose Hastings by a mutual pal, the late Jesse McCrary. By way of our many conversations, I discovered enduring classes that govern my actions even at the moment. As a mentor, he challenged me to be a pioneer – to by no means be afraid, however moderately to reside a life forging new paths and paving new roads, in order that others discover it simpler to observe. As a revered legal professional, civil rights activist and decide, he taught me to make use of the facility of the legislation to enhance the reason for human dignity, to proper wrongs, to present a voice to those that cannot converse, and to present an opportunity to all who would take it. As a public servant, he led by instance, championing the rights of minorities, ladies, the aged, youngsters, and immigrants whereas difficult the federal government to satisfy its constitutional promise of equality and alternative for all. Right this moment we pause to specific our deepest sympathy to his household, colleagues and buddies.”

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State Sen. Lauren Ebook: “Main a lifetime of public service, Congressman Alcee Hastings has left his beloved state of Florida higher than he discovered it. Congressman Hastings broke limitations as he fought to advance civil rights as the primary Black Federal Choose within the State of Florida and first Black Congressperson to signify Florida for the reason that Civil Battle. I’m grateful for the a long time of advocacy Congressman Hastings offered for Floridians and provide my sincerest condolences to his household, buddies, and colleagues.”

State Sen. Shevrin Jones: “I’m devastated to listen to of Congressman Hastings’ passing. Whilst he battled well being points, he continued to serve South Florida’s vibrant communities with the identical grace and fervour that outlined his a long time of service on behalf of our group. From his inimitable spirit to his empowerment of up-and-coming native leaders, this loss leaves a real void that may by no means be crammed. “For my total life, he championed fairness and civil rights for communities of coloration, ladies, seniors, and youngsters, first on the bench and later in Congress. During the last 9 years, I had the pleasure to work with the Congressman as a associate on the state degree, and I’m assured his influence will probably be felt for years to come back. “Above all else although, I used to be proud to name Alcee a pal and mentor. Alcee would usually inform folks he was my god dad, one thing that gave my household nice delight. He was one of many solely elected officers to endorse my first marketing campaign for state home when others wouldn’t return my calls. That was the sort of particular person he was — all the time rooting for and lifting up the underdog. “I lengthen my deepest prayers to his household and family members, together with his spouse Patricia, and youngsters Jody, Chelsea, and Leigh, throughout this troublesome time. I urge everybody to present them much-needed area to grieve as now isn’t the time of politics. With a number of crises going through the folks of Florida, every of us should recommit to upholding the servant-leader values that guided the Congressman all through his life. Alcee Hastings was certainly one of a sort, and I’ll miss him dearly.”

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Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: “South Florida misplaced a devoted public servant and a lifelong fighter for civil rights and social justice with the passing of longtime Congressman Alcee Hastings. I provide my deepest condolences to the Hastings household who’re mourning his loss. He was a fierce advocate for his group and the better South Florida space and his voice will probably be missed dearly. Might he relaxation in peace.”

Jared Moskowitz, outgoing director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Administration: “There’ll by no means be one other Alcee Hastings. He was sincere, he was direct and he gave a s— about what mattered. If you wish to be a public servant, he’s the right particular person to emulate. The Jewish group has misplaced certainly one of their loudest voices and defenders. RIP”

Dania Seaside Mayor Tamara James: “On behalf of all residents of Dania Seaside, I lengthen our prayers and deepest sympathies for the family members of Congressman Alcee Hastings.  Congressman Hastings was a large of Florida politics in his a long time of esteemed service, delivering for all of our communities and ensuring that nobody was ignored.  A civil rights champion, Congressman Hastings steadfastly fought for equal rights and equal justice for African American and Afro-Caribbean People, together with ladies, immigrants, the poor, and the LGBTQ+ group.  We’ll miss him.”

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