A classification of dyslexia has led many people to misjudge a child’s true intelligence and ability to learn, accomplish goals, and succeed.
Born on September 6, 1966 in Miami, Florida, Kendrick B. Meek is the youngest of three children.
He struggled with dyslexia in school but persevered and attended Florida A & M University on a football scholarship. Kendrick worked hard to overcome his learning disability and graduated from Florida A & M with a science degree in 1989.
He held major political positions in Florida—state representative and state senator—before becoming a U.S. representative.
While in the Florida House, he worked with Republicans to provide compensation for two African Americans who had been falsely convicted for murder, 35 years earlier.
When his daughter, Lauren, started kindergarten in a classroom with 33 other students, he was inspired to create legislation that would limit class sizes in Florida schools. The voters enacted his amendment in the November 2002 elections.
Because of his severe dyslexia, Kendrick doesn’t read his speeches or even use notes. He memorizes them.
“As someone who was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, I know what it’s like to work hard without complaining to overcome a disability,” he stated.
He once recounted how he almost flunked out of trooper academy because he mixed up the numbers on a math test. He finally passed the test because he sat in a bathroom stall for hours, memorizing numbers.
He has an aide who reads the newspapers and briefs him on the news.
This former highway patrolman, Florida state representative, and state senator served in the United States House of Representatives as a Democratic representative from Florida’s 17th District from 2003 to 2011.
Currently, Kendrick B. Meek works as a senior advisor to a diverse group of companies in the healthcare, homeland security, agriculture, and financial services sectors.
Sooner or later, everyone will encounter an obstacle that must be overcome. As you work with your dyslexic child, ensure that he understands that.
Florence, you know, no one would look down on Kendrick Meek if he were blind. No one would hesitate to be supportive. But he just can’t read. What an awesome human to have achieved so much, let alone with dyslexia. Wow!
So many people think that folk like Kendrick Meek succeed in spite of dyslexia. I believe they excel because of dyslexia. The determination and perseverance required to combat their academic struggles added to their unique out-of-the-box thinking create a recipe for success.
Having worked through adversity he has determination and confidence behind him.
I find it interesting to learn he has worked with Republicans and Democrats.
That is an accomplishment in itself. 😉
Yes, Doug, very few people are able to work on both sides of the aisle. Kudos to him.
It’s really great to read stories about overcoming learning disabilities. That’s why early intervention is so important. That makes it easier for kids to work on strategies that work. With those new skills, kids have a chance to grow up and be whatever they want.
I wish parents would understand the lifelong impact early intervention will have on their children, Alice. It is so very important.