Governor Whitmer lowers flags to honor Former U.S. Representatives Barbara-Rose Collins 

LANSING, Mich.— Governor Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex on Saturday, November 13 to honor the life and service of former U.S. Representative Barbara-Rose Collins, coinciding with her funeral.

“Our state mourns the passing of Congresswoman Barbara-Rose Collins,” said Whitmer. “A beloved Detroiter, Barbara dedicated herself to the needs of her community. During her time in Congress, she was a change maker who fought endlessly for strong communities, good jobs and civil rights protections for our state. My heart goes out to her friends and family as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Former U.S. Representative Barbara-Rose Collins was born April 13, 1939 in Detroit. A lifelong public servant, she served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1997 as the first Black woman to be elected to Congress from Michigan. Collins served twice on the Detroit City Council, first from 1982 until her election to Congress, then again from 2001 to 2009. She also served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1975 to 1981. Collins passed away on November 4, 2021 at the age of 82 years old after contracting COVID-19.