Statement of
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL)
Honoring the life of Jesse J. McCrary, Jr.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement honoring the life of Jesse J. McCrary, Jr.:

"Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. was a legal scholar and skilled attorney, civil rights pioneer, community organizer, a founding father of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association, beloved family man and Florida icon. Where racial barriers were erected, Jesse McCrary tore them down by organizing sit-ins in Tallahassee in 1956 while studying at Florida A&M University. When history was made, Jesse McCrary was there by serving as the first African American Secretary of State in Florida since Reconstruction under Governor Reubin Askew. If landmark cases were presented before the Florida Supreme Court and even before the United States Supreme Court, Jesse McCrary was at the forefront advocating for fairness, equality and justice. The life that Jesse McCrary led and the achievements accomplished in his lifetime will never be duplicated again. The passing of Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. is a tremendous loss and I join his family members, all Miamians and indeed all Floridians in mourning this loss and honoring his memory."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Committee on Armed Services. He is the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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