Coalition of Black Trade Unionist President Terrence Melvin issued the following statement upon learning of the death of Congressman Alcee Hastings:

Congressman Alcee Hastings, a civil rights activist, and the longest-serving member of Florida's congressional delegation, has passed.  Congressman Hastings first began serving in the US House of Representatives in 1993 and has been a member of the House Rules Committee and the Congressional Black Caucus. Thirty years in Congress and the Congressman had a 99% Labor Voting Record… He also was a civil rights lawyer and Florida's first Black federal judge.

CBTU honors and sends it condolences to the family of Congressman Hastings, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the residents of his congressional district.  Congressman Hastings was a man of the people, who will always be remembered and celebrated.