Earlier today, the City of Greensboro announced the passing of State Senator Katie Dorsett. Senator Dorsett was the first African American woman elected to the Greensboro City Council, she served from 1983 to 1986. She then served as a Democratic Guilford County Commissioner from 1990 to 1992 when she was appointed Secretary of the Department of Administration by Governor Jim Hunt. She was the the first African American woman to hold a North Carolina Cabinet post. In 2002 she was elected to the State Senate and represented the state’s twenty-eighth Senate district from 2003 to 2010 and served as the Democratic Whip from 2009 to 2010.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Goodwin has released the following statement:

“The North Carolina Democratic Party is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Katie Grays Dorsett. Senator Dorsett began her public service long before she held office; she fought tirelessly for her community as an educator and civil rights leader. When we served together in the legislature, I knew her to be a powerful voice for racial justice and someone who fought for integrity from our legislators, elections and across the board. We grieve with her family and celebrate her life and legacy.”