Alcee Lamar Hastings was a prominent American politician from Florida. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years, representing the majority-black precincts in and around Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

Early career: Hastings was born in 1936 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. He attended Fisk University and Howard University, where he earned a law degree. He later served as a federal judge in Florida.

Impeachment: In 1989 Hastings was impeached and removed from office as a judge for bribery and perjury. This made him the first and only African American federal official to be impeached.

Return to politics: Despite his impeachment, Hastings was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and served there until he died in 2021. He became known for his advocacy for civil rights and his work on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development.