WASHINGTON — A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF), released the following statement on the passing away of former Congressman Ronald V. Dellums.
“The CBCF family is saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Dellums, an integral founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and also Oakland’s 48th mayor. As a co-founder of the CBC, Congressman Dellums dedicated 27 years of his life to fighting harmful social policies in the U.S. House of Representatives (1971 to 1998). During his tenure as a representative from California’s 9th Congressional District, he served as chair of the House District of Columbia Committee; and Ranking Member and first African American chair of the House Armed Services Committee. In the wake of his passing, Dellums leaves a legacy that transcends the span of time.
The chief sponsor of the 1986 Anti-Apartheid Act, a distinguished member of Congress venerated for his ability to work across the aisle, Rep. Dellums was also a vocal proponent of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. The CBCF will always be grateful for visionaries like Ron who marched through the line of fire and encouraged a generation of upcoming political and community leaders to focus on creating ideas that prevail in good times and bad. He will be cemented in history as a lifelong advocate for justice, peace and civility.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dellums family, friends and colleagues who respected and loved him.”
