Alcee Hastings was an American politician and civil rights activist who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 20th congressional district from 1993 until his death in 2021. He was the first African American elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction and was known for his advocacy on issues such as civil rights, education, and healthcare. Before his congressional career, Hastings was a federal judge but was impeached in 1988 for corruption. Despite this setback, he successfully transitioned to politics and became a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, earning respect for his work in various legislative committees.