[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1277-E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLYMAN MERVYN DYMALLY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic achievements 
of California Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, on the occasion of the 
thirty-year anniversary of his election as the first African American 
Lieutenant Governor in California and the United States.
  Assemblyman Dymally's distinguished political career began in 1962 
when he was elected to the California State Assembly. After serving for 
four years, in 1966 he became the first African American to be elected 
to the California State Senate. Following his service as a State 
Legislator, Dymally again made history by becoming the first elected 
African American Lieutenant Governor in 1974.
  In 1980 Dymally ran for Congress representing South Los Angeles 
County, and became the first foreign-born black to serve in the United 
States Congress. While serving in the 97th through 101st Congresses, he 
was Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and of the Subcommittee on 
Africa within the Committee of Foreign Affairs. After retiring from 
Congress in 1992, he has served in numerous academic positions and 
remained an active participant in international affairs. In 2002 
Assemblyman Dymally returned to the California State legislature, where 
he currently represents the fifty-second district.

[[Page E1278]]

  On June 24th, the Oakland Black Caucus honored the anniversary of 
Assemblyman Dymally's historic election to the California Lieutenant 
Governorship. I would like to mark this occasion by commending the 
exceptional political achievements of Assemblyman Dymally, and by 
recognizing the broader social and historic implications of his 
extraordinary career.
  By remaining committed to public service and education throughout his 
life, Assemblyman Dymally has contributed enormously not only to the 
State of California, but also to the global community. I want to 
express my deep appreciation and respect for Assemblyman Dymally and 
his relentless pursuit of equality and social justice for African 
Americans and all people.

                          ____________________