[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ALBERT DeWITT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monay, July 14, 2003

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Stark and I rise today to honor the memory 
of Alameda City Councilmember Albert DeWitt. Al passed Thursday, July 
3, 2003 at the age of 70 after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. 
He was a staunch advocate for racial equality and affordable housing.
  Al spent 9 years on the council after he retired as a mechanic at the 
Alameda Naval Air Station and almost 40 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, 
where he earned the rank of Colonel. He was elected on November 8, 1994 
as the first African-American Alameda City Council member. He served as 
Vice Mayor for two years and then acting Mayor for a time last year.
  Mr. DeWitt was born and raised in Alabama. He joined the Army in 1950 
and served for three years in Germany, where he met and married Josepha 
Kerler. The couple moved to Berkeley and then Alameda, and raised three 
children: Albert Hans, Barry and Lisa. He faced prejudice and racism as 
he rose through the ranks of the Army and Army reserve, but that did 
not embitter him. He served our country with dedication and 
distinction.
  Councilmember DeWitt studied at Oakland Jr. College. He later went to 
Golden Gate University at night while working days as a mechanic. In 
later years, he moved to Washington, D.C. and earned a master's degree 
in public administration at George Washington University. He was also a 
graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, 
D.C.
  Al served as president of the local NAACP and as a commissioner with 
the Alameda Housing Authority. He was active with the American Legion, 
Boys and Girls Club, Library 2000, Kiwanis, Alameda Historic Society 
and Museum, Navy League and was a member of the Board of Directors of 
the Alameda Council Boy Scouts of America.
  Councilmember DeWitt was a remarkable human being who dedicated his 
life in service to others. He shared his wisdom and provided us 
tremendous support. He leaves his wife Virginia, ex-wife, six brothers 
and sisters, three children, and three grandchildren to cherish his 
memory. We take great pride in joining his friends, colleagues, 
constituents and family to salute the wonderful Albert DeWitt. Let us 
celebrate his legacy by undertaking to uphold the ideals of equality 
that he held so dear.

                          ____________________