January 21, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 12 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E61-E62]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LEGACY OF DR. CARROL WAYMON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 21, 2020

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with admiration and 
respect to honor and remember the tremendous legacy of Dr. Carrol 
Waymon, who passed away in his San Diego home on January 3, 2020 at the 
age of 94.
  Waymon was a champion for racial equality and one of the most 
impactful educators in San Diego's history.
  Born to a family of eight in North Carolina, Waymon overcame many 
obstacles before making his way to San Diego. He received an 
undergraduate education from Howard University followed by masters in 
psychology and education from Temple University.
  In 1964, he was working on racial issues for the Los Angeles Human 
Relations Agency when a request for assistance came from the San Diego 
City Council to assess racial injustice in the city.
  Waymon chose to move to San Diego and dedicated his life to our 
community. While other cities experienced significant racial tensions, 
Waymon saw an opportunity for San Diego to build bridges and improve 
the lives of all citizens.
  In 1967, Waymon was appointed head of the Citizens Interracial 
Committee (CIC), San Diego's first human relations agency. During his 
tenure he chaired more than 40 public meetings and spearheaded the 
drafting and adoption of San Diego's first equal employment opportunity 
ordinances.
  Among the many achievements realized by the CIC, Waymon played a 
critical role in removing housing restrictions for people of color, 
making it possible for African Americans to stay in any major hotel 
across the County, try on clothes in department stores, and dine in 
major restaurants.
  Waymon was also widely regarded as a brilliant educator who was 
responsible for the founding of San Diego State University's Africana 
Studies Department. He enjoyed a 33-year career working with San Diego 
Mesa College as a psychology, sociology, and anthropology professor.

[[Page E62]]

  I was privileged to have the opportunity to personally witness and 
appreciate his drive to bring people together in order to create a 
better community. I always admired his focus on education for all at 
the center of all he did; a wise and thoughtful approach.
  I genuinely treasured our warm relationship and will sorely miss his 
presence in the community.
  While San Diego has lost a giant, I believe that his life's work will 
serve as a legacy and example for future generations to come. Madam 
Speaker, I ask that you please join me in remembering and commemorating 
the great life of Dr. Carrol Waymon.