Portal:Indianapolis/Selected biography/4
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Julia Carson (July 8, 1938 – December 15, 2007), born Julia May Porter, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a member of the United States House of Representatives for Indiana's 7th congressional district from 1997 until her death in 2007 (numbered as the 10th District from 1997 to 2003). Carson was the first woman and first African American to represent the 7th District. She was also the second African American woman elected to Congress from Indiana, after Katie Hall and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1955 in Indianapolis. She then attended Martin University in Indianapolis and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
On November 25, 2007, the Indianapolis Star reported that Carson had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. When being treated for a leg infection, the cancer was discovered by Carson's doctors. Carson had battled it before, but it had gone into remission. Carson passed away on December 15, 2007. On December 21, 2007 Julia Carson's casket was taken to the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis by horse-drawn military caisson. Carson became the ninth Hoosier to lie in repose at the Statehouse Rotunda. The funeral for Julia Carson, held on December 22, 2007, brought thousands of citizens together to pay last respects. Carson was laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery, graveside ceremony included a three-volley salute.
