[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E651-E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

TRIBUTES TO FORMER REP. RON DELLUMS BY HIS COLLEAGUES

______

HON. STENY H. HOYER

of maryland

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, on Friday, May 10, 2019, the family,
friends, and former colleagues of the late Rep. Ron Dellums of
California paid tribute to him at a memorial service here in
Washington. Several of us who served with him in this House delivered
eulogies praising Rep. Dellums for his decency, his strength of
character, his leadership, his dedication to the men and women who
serve in our military, and the respect he earned from his fellow
legislators on both sides of the aisle.
I want to take this opportunity to include in the Record the remarks
I offered along with the kind words spoken by Rep. Barbara Lee,
Chairwoman Maxine Waters, and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. Majority Whip
James Clyburn also spoke, although unfortunately there is no transcript
of his remarks. I can attest, however, to his moving words.
Below I share with the rest of our colleagues my remarks in praise of
our friend, the late Rep. Dellums, joined by the statements of others
made in tribute to him:
Mr. Hoyer: Rev. Lamar and Father Conroy, thank you for your
words of peace and reflection. Cynthia, Erik, Piper, Brandon,
and Pam, thank you for allowing us to join you in mourning
Ron and participating in this service today. To his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, let me say ``thank
you'' for the love you gave him, because we all saw the joy
it brought him.
I had the great honor to serve in congress with Ron Dellums
for seventeen years. He was a friend, a teacher, an example,
a hero. He was always a gentleman. He was kind, gracious,
strong, and historic. Respected and admired by his colleagues
on both sides of the aisle.
As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Ron Dellums
was a man who knew the purpose of arms. He understood that
instruments of war could be guarantors of peace. And he knew
that the greatest force was that of the moral being, the
spirit of good will and powerful words used to speak truth.
When he saw the injustice of apartheid in South Africa, Ron
fought with every fiber to arm Congress with truth and make
our country an instrument of moral clarity.
When he and other African-American Members saw an
opportunity to raise issues that were being ignored in
Washington and lift up voices that weren't being heard, Ron
helped create the Congressional Black Caucus that now serves
as the conscience of the Congress.
As city councilman, he drew on his own family's experiences
to see the clarity of his cause championing workers and their
families, the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the
dispossessed.
The people of Oakland elected Ron eleven times to congress
and then made him their mayor--because they saw in him the
kind of moral leader unafraid to stand up for principles and
determined to do right by those who entrusted him with high
office. They knew he would always speak up for them and speak
out for the causes he knew to be just.
Ron Dellums understood that the power of words speaking
truth--on the Floor of the House or in Committee or in the
City Council chamber or from the mayor's desk--could be
mightier than any armament. He was a man who chose his words
carefully and wielded them forcefully.
President John F. Kennedy said of Winston Churchill that he
``marshalled the English language and sent it into battle.''
So too did Ron. And we will remember him always for speaking
truth, speaking justice, speaking goodness, and speaking for
those who needed a voice.
He was regal in bearing. He was real in his relationships--
warm and empathetic to all.
He was courageous in battle. Principled in his policies.
Moral in vision. Worthy of leading. Courteous in demeanor.
Clear in his goals. Loyal to his country, colleagues, and
conscience. Deserving of our love and respect. A Teddy-
Roosevelt ``doer of great deeds.'' And, most assuredly, a man
to be admired, emulated, followed, and--as we do today,
remembered.
Ron was our friend and our exemplar. We were honored and
blessed to be a part of his life.
Ron: you were always faithful, Marine. You were ``Semper
Fi.''
Ms. Lee of California: To our officiant, Rev. William H.
Lamar IV, Father Conroy, Reverend Skinner, and to all members
of the clergy.
First, let me offer my deepest condolences to Cynthia,
Brandy, Rachel, and Ron's entire family and extended family
and Ron's staff who have and continue to experience a deep
sense of grief, yet hope that through the celebration of
Ron's life, we all can join together and keep his legacy
alive through our work and love for each other.
I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge my
colleagues; members here; Majority Leader Steny Hoyer,
Majority Whip James Clyburn, Congresswoman Maxine Waters,
Congressman Hank Johnson, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes
Norton, Congressman Gregory Meeks, and Congresswoman Shelia
Jackson Lee. Members, please stand.
Our former congressional colleagues.
And Ron's friends and constituents, and all program
participants.
I thank you for being here today as we celebrate the life
of a man who was a statesman, a gentleman, and an authentic
representative of the people. Also, Ron was my mentor and my
friend.
I looked up to him, like we all did, as a warrior, and a
fighter.
Ron never gave up his principles and integrity, even though
he was brilliant, a deep thinker, a philosopher, and a man
who--as he would say--had a memory like an elephant. He was a
psychiatric social worker who understood human behavior in
its totality and a proud former marine who demonstrated that
peace is patriotic.
He was a comedian too.
He was so funny--some of you may remember his Richard Pryor
skit--Sandre, and I were with Ron when he played the role of
Richard Pryor at Lou Gossett's house.
What an evening--Ron became Richard Pryor, and Richard
Pryor became Ron.
Ron never let the weight of the world destroy his sense of
humor and fun-loving side with his friends and family.
I first met Ron as a college student in the early 1970s. I
was going to school, raising my two little boys while on
public assistance and developing my political consciousness.
I wanted to be an Intern in Ron's Washington office once I
was in graduate school at UC Berkeley. I went to Ron's
District Director, our beloved, the late Don Hopkins who Ron
relied on and loved deeply, with this request.
Don placed me in Ron's DC Office during the Watergate
hearings in the summer of 1974. I learned a lot that summer,
saw how Ron, as a progressive African American man from
Berkeley and Oakland, navigated his work as a legislator.
Even though--as he always reminded us--they painted him as a
commie pinko from Berkeley and he was on Spiro Agnew's hate
list--Ron wore this as a badge of honor. He knew he came to
Congress as an Anti-war, peace candidate, who knew the
priorities of our country were wrong and destroying people's
lives here at home & abroad.
In 1975, I came to Washington, D.C. to work on Ron's staff.
In those days, it was rare for a woman--let alone a black
woman--to run a congressional office. But Ron was proud to
call himself a ``feminist'' and lived his life by the same
progressive values he espoused on the House floor.
As an ardent anti-war activist, he also sought a seat on
the Armed Services Committee to advocate for alternatives to
military intervention.
Years later, Ron went on to make history as the first
African American to chair the Armed Services Committee--and
he used that position to advocate for more just and humane
military policies. I travelled with Ron, along with his staff
throughout the world. Heads of State wanted his advice and
knew he was a global leader.
I remember him telling his staff ``Let your conscience be
your guide. If you are right--just to stand on that street
corner alone because sooner or later everyone must walk right
to you.'' I'd like to ask Ron's staff--Congressional and
Mayoral--to stand. Ron loved his staff. They are all true
public servants who gave their all to our community, the
country, and the world.
Ron demonstrated this repeatedly--he introduced the South
African sanctions legislation 13 times.
It was the first override of a presidential policy veto in
the 20th century and finally put the United States on the
right side of history.
I will always remember Ron calling me after I was elected
to Congress to come to his beautiful home for dinner. Yes--he
also was a great cook.
Well, we sat at his kitchen table and asked me to think
about introducing an AIDS martial plan for Africa given the
devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. His idea led to my
legislation establishing the global fund and PEPFAR which has
saved millions of lives. He worked so hard to help me get
these bills passed and the world owes him a debt of
gratitude.
Ron was my boss, mentor, and yet, like the brother I never
had. He gave me personal advice and support as a single Mom
raising two boys.

[[Page E652]]

When my son Craig graduated from Brent Elementary School,
in the sixth grade here in Washington, DC., he asked Ron to
be the graduation speaker. Ron left Capitol Hill, spoke at
the graduation, took pictures and spent time with the kids
afterward. Mind you, they were young children. They didn't
have any political clout and couldn't vote.
Ron did this out of the goodness of his heart because he
loved children and cared about their future.
My sons Craig and Tony were childhood friends with Ron's
kids Brandy, Eric, & Piper, and to this day they remain close
friends.
Also, as a single woman in Washington, DC, Ron counseled me
on who--and who not to date.
He saved me from a lot of trouble and heartbreaks.
We can't forget that Ron was nominated for President in the
mid-70's, in Cincinnati, Ohio, but he declined the nomination
for the Office of the President at the National Black
Political Convention. Then there was an effort to draft him
to run for president, in New York,--I believe--in 1980.
Of course, he was conflicted--so was the staff. We just
knew he could win--but Ron decided he wanted to continue
serving his constituents because he wanted to help them
achieve their dreams and aspirations.
And, as the father of Coalition politics, which began in
the East Bay, his leadership was needed to continue to build
coalitions for peace and justice around the country.
When Ron called me and told me of his illness, I was
devastated. In his generous manner, he said he didn't want to
worry me and was gentle and cautious in the way he told me--
preparing me for that sad day. But he gave me time to be with
him each week during his last month. Thank you, Cynthia.
I spent my birthday last year--the evening of July 16 after
a legislative session--with Ron and his family. He was in
rare form, telling stories, being the comedian that he was,
toasting our friendship and singing Happy Birthday to me. He
was frail, in pain, but demonstrated a sense of hope and
courage--even as he knew he would meet his maker soon.
After my next visit, which would be the last, he talked
about family and friends--told me some of his secrets, and I
told him some of mine--encouraged me to keep fighting the
good fight and imparted more pearls of wisdom.
As I was about to leave, I was reluctant to hug him,
knowing he was in pain. He reared up in the bed and called me
to him in his playful way and gave me a big hug with tears in
his eyes.
As a brilliant, powerful, elected official, a fighter, and
a physical fitness champion, Ron was also kind, gentle, and a
humanitarian who lived his life with dignity and respect.
He left this earth demonstrating that same sense of dignity
and courage.
He did it his way.
Ron passed me a blue baton when we announced in 1998 that I
would run for his seat upon his retirement.
The baton, which I look at often, reminds me that all of us
must carry that baton that Ron gave us and run our mile in
this marathon for justice, for peace, and unity. So, when we
can pass our batons to the next generation, we know, as Ron
said frequently--we have secured their future. In honor of
the great legacy Ron has left, I'll be introducing the Ronald
V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship For Women Of Color In Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and National Security
Act. And we will get it passed.
Finally, let me say during moments like this, as a person,
of faith, I go to the scriptures often for inspiration and
hope.
2nd Timothy Chapter 4, verse 7 says: ``I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the
faith.''
Ron, rest in peace, rest in power, know that we got your
back.
Ms. Waters: By all standards, our brother, Ron Dellums, was
a truly exceptional human being who consistently gave of
himself to his loved ones, his community, his nation, and the
entire world.
Reverend King wrote ``The ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but
where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. In
dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some
bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.''
In both his public and personal capacities, Ron embodied
this standard of character, purpose, selflessness, and
service.
As an elected official, Ron was a bold pioneer, a true
leader, and a stalwart advocate for peace in the U.S. and
globally. Fueled by his extraordinary acumen and legendary
eloquence, he built a stellar track record of standing up for
principle, righting the wrongs of inequality, and empowering
the powerless.
Ron initiated his career in Congress as a crusader for
peace, taking on the establishment by opposing the Vietnam
War. He pressured Nixon to end the U.S. involvement, and
exposed war crimes in Vietnam, earning him a place on Nixon's
enemies list, of which he was proud to be a member.
Ron was a pioneer in the campaign to end apartheid in South
Africa, proposing sanctions as far back as 1972. He was
fiercely dedicated to opening hearts and minds in Congress to
the plight of the oppressed South African majority. Together
we fought apartheid, with my bill divesting California's
pension fund investments, and Ron's bill divesting U.S.
companies' assets and applying sanctions against the
repressive regime, becoming law just days apart, in Ron's
case by overriding the president's veto.
Ron called out racial discrimination in the military and
advanced diversity and inclusion through innovations that
opened doors of opportunity to people who had been excluded.
He championed the minority set-aside program for Defense
Department contracts, enabling businesses owned by African
Americans, Latinos, and other minorities to compete for a
share of the DoD's large procurement budget.
Ron consistently advocated for peace, opposing expensive,
excessive weapons such as the B-2 stealth bomber, and the MX
and Pershing II missiles. He called for funds for those
weapons to be shifted to cities, communities, education, and
housing. He opposed military intervention in Grenada, Zaire,
Burundi, Sudan, Angola, Liberia, and elsewhere, and was an
outspoken critic of the Persian Gulf War.
Ron's illustrious leadership was on display as chairman of
the Armed Services Committee. He maintained his commitment to
peaceful policy positions while allowing the committee to
work its will on the DoD's authorization and policies that he
opposed. Ron often voted against his committee's legislation.
Ron's principled passion was epitomized by his speech from
the well of the House supporting the Civil Rights Act of
1990. In that August 2, 1990 speech, which is still
emblazoned on the minds of many, Ron implored his colleagues
to support the bill, declaring ``this is throw-down time.
This is the bottom line. This is integrity. There is no
substitute to freedom and human dignity . . . there is no
substitute for justice.''
Ron's nature was just as resplendent outside the public
arena. To his friends and all who sought his counsel, he was
a trusted confidant, a source of strength, a bastion of
wisdom, and a compatriot in our shared goals and dreams. His
personal warmth, thoughtfulness, and empathy were as much a
part of his essence as passion for peace. When facing
conflict, he remained dignified. When confronting challenges,
he remained optimistic. When engaging opponents, he remained
congenial. Even his adversaries in Congress appreciated him
for being fair, responsive, thoughtful, and honorable.
I am grateful that I had the chance to thank Ron for what
he accomplished, represented, and taught us. Shortly after he
left Congress, we celebrated him at the Black Women's Forum
in LA, not just because of what he did for his district and
for the people of mine, but for all 435 districts. We
enveloped him in so much appreciation and praise that day--
every bit well-earned and well-deserved--that the eloquent
orator was rendered speechless, albeit only briefly.
To me, Ron was far more than a colleague, compatriot,
teammate, confidante, counselor, and political soul mate,
although he was all that. To me, Ron was a true friend, a
dear and trusted friend, a brother, and I loved him very
much.
Ron Dellums will always be remembered as the true article;
a man of conscience, dignity, and grace; a leader with the
rare blend of sincere humility and sublime intellect; the
peoples' patriot who waged peace at every opportunity; and a
man who is admired and loved by more people, in more comers
of the country and the world, than he could have imagined.
Ms. Norton: We celebrate our colleague and friend Ronald
Dellums at a time of historic polarization in Congress. It is
a good time to remember the peace advocate who chaired the
Armed Services Committee with such equanimity that he won the
respect, even the friendship, of those who opposed every
cause, of the many into which Ron poured his considerable
talent.
I first came to admire Ron even before being elected to
Congress from my work in the Free South Africa anti-apartheid
movement. For 14 years, Ron did not relent until he freed his
landmark bill for South Africa divestment, overcoming a
presidential veto.
By the time I was elected to Congress, Ron had already been
chair of the District of Columbia Committee for more than a
decade. That committee is long gone, and nothing would have
pleased Chairman Dellums more than its demise. But when
freedom-loving Ron Dellums first came to Congress, he knew
that if there had to be such a Committee, he wanted a seat on
it. Just as Ron sought peace by serving on the Armed Service
Committee, he sought to free D.C. from Congressional control
by serving on the D.C. Committee.
He joined the Committee during his very first term in
Congress. Upon becoming chair of the D.C. Committee, Ron
framed his service as ``an advocate, not an overseer of
District affairs.'' No sooner had Ron gotten to Congress in
1975, in his very 1st term, long before I even thought about
becoming a Member, he introduced the 1st D.C. statehood bill.
Ron would relish our progress today as we close in on
enough votes for the D.C. statehood bill to pass in the House
this term. We expect a vote soon in the Oversight and
Government Reform Committee to send the bill to the House
Floor. When that committee vote occurs, we will not be able
to claim we are breaking new or historic ground. In 1987,
more than 30 years ago Chairman Ron Dellums proclaimed
``There should be no colonies in a democracy'' and led the
District Committee in a vote for statehood for the District
of Columbia that passed in his Committee.

[[Page E653]]

The American citizens who live in the nation's capital will
forever remember Ron Dellums, prescient warrior for equality
and freedom--and well ahead of his time--a leader for
statehood for the District of Columbia.

____________________