Matthew Meadows


Matthew Meadows is an American retired educator and Democratic politician who served as a member of both chambers of the Florida Legislature.

Early life and education

Meadows was born in Fort Pierce, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bethune-Cookman College in 1961 and was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.

Career

He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000 and served four successive terms. Meadows was unable to seek re-election in 2008 due to term limits. He served in the Florida Senate from 1992 to 1998.
During his time in the Senate, Meadows was a part of an unprecedented effort to pay reparations to the descendants of the victims of the Rosewood massacre. This bill made Florida one of the first and only states to make monetary amends for racial violence.

Personal life

Meadows is married to Charley Mae Harris, a native of Macon, Georgia. He and his wife have five children.