You can help extend Carrie Meek’s record of extraordinary public service | Editorial

Upon her death Sunday at 95, former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek’s singular accomplishments have been well documented — and deservedly so.

This icon’s — and yes, here, that word is most appropriate — road to Congress, at times, was rocky, racist and sexist. And ultimately triumphant. She walked it nobly with the singular commitment of leaving the people she served in a better, more life-sustaining place.

The depth of that commitment now is evident in the foundation that bears her name, that is both expanding and better honing its mission.

“When she retired from Congress, she wanted a platform that allowed her to continue to advance all the work of her congressional career,” Matthew Beatty, vice president and chief operating officer for the Carrie Meek Foundation, told the Editorial Board.

Its focus, Beatty said, is health, housing, education, and community and economic development, all of which have yet gain real traction in Black and brown neighborhoods such as Liberty City, Opa-locka and Florida City.

And now, the grant-making organization has a better idea. Though it has done a good job of funneling funds to target specific challenges in the communities it serves, the foundation is about to take a somewhat different, and savvier, approach, through its Meek Mobilize Grants.

“Meek Mobilize Grants are open to any and everyone who has an idea, program or initiative that helps improve life, improve neighborhoods in Opa-locka, Liberty City or Florida City,” Beatty told the Board. “Anyone is eligible — small business owners, churches, residents.

“Residents made it clear,” he said. “There was a lot that was working. But, often, it was not in the form of a 501c3. Rather, it was residents who banded together to get something done.”

With the Mobilize Grants, “We are not trying fit them into our mold,” Beatty said. “We will meet them where they are.”

It’s a smart, more-holistic approach that ensures residents themselves are the drivers of their destiny.

While the Foundation gets a significant amount of funding through the Carrie Meek International Business Park, a county and commercial development where an Amazon fulfillment center and other businesses are located, individual gifts are also welcome.

That means there are two opportunities to carry on Meek’s work: First, Tuesday, Nov. 30 is the last day to apply for the Meek Mobilization Grants, which will range between $2,500 and $10,000. Second, individuals can donate to the Foundation to carry on the late lawmaker’s work. Contact Beatty at matthew@carriemeekfoundation.org.

Each is an excellent way to honor Meek extraordinary public service, while perpetuating her vision — and your own.